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Tennis pro Naomi Osaka: "Frankly, I'm very proud of myself"
Photograph:
Darren England v EPA
Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka made a successful comeback on New Year's Day after a 15-month maternity leave. The 26-year-old won her first-round match of the WTA tournament in Brisbane, Australia, against Tamara Korpatsch 6-3, 7-6 (11-9). For her deserved victory, however, the former world number one needed 2:48 hours.
"It feels really good to be back," said the four-time Grand Slam tournament winner afterwards: "Frankly, I'm very proud of myself. I think I played at a pretty good level. My opponent also played very well."
Osaka had reported in July that she had become a mother. She hadn't played a game on the professional tour since September 2022 until her comeback. Two years ago, she had reported depression and anxiety and later took an extended break to protect her mental health.
In the second round, Osaka will face No. 16 seed Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic, who had a bye in the opener. The hard court event, which is endowed with around 1.7 million US dollars, is considered a preparation tournament for the Australian Open from 14 to 28 January.
While Osaka is back, another tennis star will be missing from the tour: two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitová is taking a baby break and will not participate in the Australian Open (January 14-28). The 33-year-old Czech announced her pregnancy on Instagram on New Year's Day.
"On the first day of 2024, I would like to wish you a happy new year and share with you the exciting news that Jiri and I will welcome a baby into our family this summer," Kvitová wrote.
The world number 17. has been in a relationship with her coach Jiri Vanek since July last year. She will miss her annual trip to Australia and the sport she loves, "but I'm looking forward to spending some time at home and preparing for this exciting new chapter in our lives," Kvitová wrote.
BKA/SID