Osaka to play star role in Brisbane

NAOMI Osaka last played the Brisbane International as an 18- year- old, beaten in qualifying when ranked No. 144.

World No. 8 Osaka will return to the Queensland Tennis Centre this summer as a US Open champion praised by Chris Evert as the leader of a “new generation’’ in women’s tennis.

The Japanese 20- year- old was yesterday named the first female entrant for the Brisbane International from December 31- January 6.

It has so far announced world No. 1 Rafael Nadal, Japan’s world No. 12 Kei Nishikori and Brisbane’s John Millman as male entrants.

Osaka tore at the heartstrings of tennis fans around the world when she sobbed during her US Open trophy presentation after being booed by New York fans in the concluding games of her final win over Serena Williams.

They were enraged at a point penalty and game penalty levied against opponent Williams and Osaka felt she needed to tell the crowd at the presentation she was “sorry it had to end like this’’.

“Since winning the US Open I’ve had lots of messages of support from Australia so it will be special to play at Pat Rafter Arena in January,” Osaka said, confirming her first Brisbane entry.

Osaka lost in qualifying for the 2016 Brisbane International and last summer started her Australian circuit in the second week, in Hobart.

Former world No. 1 Chris Evert said after the US Open final that she had “never seen anyone keep Serena on the back foot like Naomi’’.