Naomi Osaka set to return to Australian Open warmup in Brisbane

Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka will officially begin her tennis comeback at the Brisbane International, a warmup tournament for January's Australian Open, organizers announced Friday,  Kyodo reported.

The Dec. 31 to Jan. 7 event at Brisbane's Queensland Tennis Centre will be the first tour appearance for the 26-year-old Japanese star since she gave birth to her first child, a daughter, in July.

"I am really excited about getting back out on court and competing. I always love starting my season in Brisbane and can't wait to return," Osaka said in a statement.

"The Brisbane International is such a great tournament and will set me up for a brilliant comeback this summer."

The four-time Grand Slam champion had been scheduled to play in the 2023 Australian Open but withdrew shortly before revealing she was pregnant.

The Brisbane International has not been held since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Osaka reached the semifinals of the tournament in 2019 and 2020.

Osaka's four Grand Slam titles include the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021.