New Year gives us a chance to leave all our worries behind and make a new start. Talking about starts, well the former world no.1 Japanese tennis player, Naomi Osaka has already restarted her run from where she had left 15 months ago. Osaka last appeared at the Pan Pacific Open in her homeland in 2022. After that, she took a maternity leave and then in July last year gave birth to her daughter Shai. Her fans were worried whether they would ever get the chance to see her at the peak again. But now she’s back in action in the ‘Land Down Under.’

While most of the fans are excited to see her back, her opponents might think the opposite. A fully fit Naomi Osaka is always a force to reckon with and no one would like to face her as an opponent. So excitement among her rivals would preferably be less. But there is one exception, and she’s the current world number 1 in women’s singles- Iga Swiatek.

Iga Swiatek on the return of the former world number one, Naomi Osaka

The 4 time Grand Slam champion made a stellar comeback earlier on Monday when she defeated Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch in her first match after the comeback. Although it was 1 hour and 47 minutes of an intense battle, Osaka didn’t show any signs of rustiness. She defeated the German by 6-3,7-6(9) to book her place in the Round of 32 on Tuesday against Karolina Pliskova.

Can Osaka take a deep run at the Brisbane International? Well, it’s too early to judge that from a single match, but looking at the touch she’s in, anything is possible. This would serve as a good preparation ahead of the 2024 AO. Let’s have a look at what Iga Swiatek has to say about one of her major challengers for this season.

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“I’m really happy she’s back. I heard she’s really feeling well off-court, which is amazing to hear. It’s going to be nice to see her and catch up. Her tennis has always been great. She had ups and downs, but when she was playing great it was hard to win vs. her. She won 4 Slams in 2 years. Really amazing. She showed it’s possible,” said Swiatek.

Iga Swiatek had a wonderful season in 2023, she entered the season as world number 1 and also ended it as no.1. She had won 6 singles titles last year including a Grand Slam triumph at the French Open. Now, she’s representing her nation at the United Cup in Australia.

Swiatek looks in good touch ahead of the first Grand Slam of the season

Poland took on Spain on the road to the Quarterfinals of the second edition of the United Cup at the RAC Arena in Perth. Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina gave them the early lead when he defeated Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in their first encounter. Later on, Iga Swiatek equalized the tie with a win against Sorribes Tormo. After that Hurkacz and Swiatek teamed up to defeat the pair of Fokina and Tormo by a 6-0,6-0 margin to book their place in the QF of the event.

‘She’s Helped Me Grow Up’- Naomi Osaka Continues to Sing Praises of Her Baby Daughter After Welcome Win in Brisbane

As Iga Swiatek keeps dominating in the United Cup, it would be interesting to see if Naomi Osaka is able to continue her powerful start. What do you think? Share your thoughts on this in the comment box.

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