Former word No.1 Naomi Osaka will make her return to tennis at this summer’s Brisbane International.
Osaka, 26, was due to compete in last January’s Australian Open but withdrew after revealing she was pregnant.
Having given birth to daughter Shai in July, she is set to return to action for the first time since September 2022 at the December 31-January 7 event at the Queensland Tennis Centre.
A winner of two Australian Opens and two US Opens, Osaka is among three grand slam champions – the others being Victoria Azarenka and Andy Murray – to have confirmed their entry to the Brisbane International, which will consist of men’s and women’s tournaments.
“I am really excited about getting back out on court and competing,” US-based Japanese star Osaka said.
“I always love starting my season in Brisbane and can’t wait to return. The Brisbane International is such a great tournament and will set me up for a brilliant comeback this summer.”
Others confirmed to play in Brisbane include Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov and Danish sensation Holger Rune.
Brisbane International tournament director Cam Pearson said: “We are really excited to welcome Naomi Osaka, Andy Murray, Victoria Azarenka, Holger Rune and Grigor Dimitrov to Brisbane in 2024 and know the atmosphere of watching these top players will be thrilling this summer.
“Victoria, Andy and Grigor are all past Brisbane International champions, so to have them confirmed this early shows their commitment to the tournament and how much players love coming back to Queensland.”
Scottish veteran Murray, a former world No.1, will chase a third Brisbane title after winning the tournament in 2012 and 2013.
“I am really looking forward to returning to Queensland this summer,” Murray said.
“I have great memories of winning the title (twice) … and I would love to lift the trophy again for a third time in Brisbane.”