Naomi Osaka ended a long break from tennis on Monday, starting the New Year with a 6-3, 7-6 (9) defeat of German Tamara Korpatsch to make a winning start at the Brisbane International.
Osaka, who quit the game 15 months ago for mental health reasons, later stayed away to eventually give birth to a daughter last July.
The winner of four Grand Slam titles has been a reluctant champion, shying away from many of the public responsibilities which come with being a millionaire international sports celebrity
Osaka kicked off her comeback with a break of her opponent to love and was never distracted from her mission, though the two-time Australian Open winner did need to get through a second-set tiebreaker.
“I was super nervous but I was really excited to be out here. It feels really good to be back,” she said.
“The last couple of years that I played before (pregnancy) I didn’t return as much love as I was given, so I really feel like that’s what I want to do in this chapter.
“I just really appreciate people coming out and cheering for me.”
Doping sanction victim Simona Halep has gone online to protest her own treatment by anti-doping…
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…