Naomi Osaka arrives in Australia ahead of first Grand Slam of 2022

Updated : Dec 28, 2021 23:05
|
AP

Naomi Osaka touched down at Melbourne airport on Tuesday signalling her intent to return to professional tennis after casting doubt over her future in September.  

The defending Australian Open women's champion lost in the third round at the US Open to the eventual runner-up, 18-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandez. The 24-year-old then tearfully announced she was taking an indefinite break from the sport to focus on her mental health. The four-time Grand Slam winner, who hasn't appeared on the tour since September, won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021.

All players arriving ahead of the Australian Open are subject to Covid-19 tests and must isolate until they return a negative result.

Also read: Dominic Thiem pulls out Australian Open due to a wrist injury

Naomi OsakaAustraliaAustralian Open

Recommended For You

editorji | Sports

Emotion, tears as Messi retires from Argentina national team

editorji | Sports

Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India captain with immediate effect

editorji | Sports

India, West Indies fined for slow over-rates in third ODI

editorji | Sports

Asian Games 2026: Sunil Kumar Wins Wrestling Bronze, India’s Medal Tally Gets Boost

editorji | Sports

India win first athletics gold at Asian Games 2026 as women's 4x400m relay team triumphs