Naomi Osaka accepts wild card into Abu Dhabi Open

Field Level Media|published: Mon 22nd January, 16:51 2024

Jan 15, 2024; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Naomi Osaka of Japan plays a shot against Caroline Garcia (not pictured) of France in Round 1 of the Women's Singles on Day 2 of the Australian Open tennis at Rod Laver Arena. credits: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports

Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka of Japan has entered the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open as a wild card.

Osaka is returning to tennis this year after giving birth to her daughter last July. She played the Brisbane International, winning her first match before losing in the second round. Then, at the Australian Open, where she is a two-time champion, she lost her opening match to No. 16 seed Caroline Garcia of France.

Osaka currently holds the No. 831 world ranking in women's tennis but was dominant from 2018 through 2021. Her 2021 Australian Open title was her fourth Grand Slam and her seventh career WTA-level title, but she hasn't won since.

"I'm very excited about competing in this year's Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and performing in front of the UAE tennis fans, who I know from previous experience will create a fantastic atmosphere," Osaka said in a statement. "It's a high-quality field with some of the world's best players taking part, and I'm looking forward to what I'm sure will be a fantastic event."

The tournament also extended a wild card to Great Britain's Emma Raducanu, the 2021 U.S. Open champ.

—Field Level Media

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