Osaka will make return at Brisbane

NAOMI Osaka will make her return to tennis at the Brisbane International to start next season,

The four-time grand slam champion has not played a match since September 2022, taking the whole of this year off and giving birth to daughter Shai in July.

“I’m really excited about getting back on court and competing,” said Osaka. “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.”

The 26-year-old had played an increasingly sparse schedule before her maternity leave, taking time away from the court several times to prioritise her mental health.

But, speaking to ESPN during the US Open, she said of her time away: “It really raised my love for the sport. It made me realise I’m not going to play forever. I have to embrace the times. I’ve been playing tennis since I was three.

“I don’t think I can predict what I’ll do. I never am able to do that, but it definitely made me appreciate a lot of things that I took for granted.”

Osaka, pictured, will play her first grand slam since the US Open in 2022 at the Australian Open, which she won in 2019 and 2021, later in January.

Also playing at the Brisbane International, which takes place from December 31 to January 7, will be Andy Murray.

“It’s great to see the Brisbane International back and I am really looking forward to returning to Queensland this summer,” said Murray. “I have great memories of winning the title in 2012 and 2013 and I would love to lift the trophy again for a third time in Brisbane.”

Murray, meanwhile, has split from coach Ivan Lendl for a third time. The Scot won all three of his grand slam titles in his first two spells with the former world number one, and they reunited again last March. However, while he regained his place in the top 50, he has not achieved the results he wanted, particularly at the biggest tournaments.

Jack Draper will contest the final of the Sofia Open in Bulgaria after beating the third-seeded Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets.

The Briton came out on top 6-3, 6-4 in a closely-fought contest, which arguably hinged on Draper converting three of his four break points compared to just one from eight for the German.