SUMMARY
- Brisbane International welcomed Naomi Osaka upon her return to the sport.
- There was an unusual sight after the match as Naomi Osaka and Tamara Korpatsch did not shake hands at the net.
The 2024 WTA season has started just the way the fans expected. With multiple events running at the same time, stars have begun the new season with fireworks. The United Cup, Brisbane International, and ASB Classic are expected to end on January 7th. Fans in Brisbane were excited to witness the return of Naomi Osaka on the WTA tour.
Osaka faced Tamara Korpatsch in her first match since 2022. But the match resulted in a rather confusing ending. Both players met at the net and did not shake hands with each other. The fans speculated that there was an issue between Osaka and Korpatsch. “Why didn’t they shake hands? So good to see Naomi back on tour!!,” commented fans after the match ended.
Why didn’t they shake hands? So good to see Naomi back on tour!!
— Ms. Gullible (@Tennismumma) January 1, 2024
why no handshake anyone know?
— TheTruthOfItAll (@TheTrut86284929) January 1, 2024
The reason for the players only exchanging racket touch was revealed after the match. Korpatsch was not feeling well during the match and did not want to spread the illness to her opponent. Osaka understood Korpatsch’s condition and graciously bowed and wished her best. It was a good first outing for the former world No.1 as she will prepare well for the upcoming matches at Brisbane.
Naomi Osaka picks between motherhood and tennis
Osaka had to struggle a bit during her comeback match against Korpatsch. It was the duo’s first meeting on the tour. The German could not withstand Osaka’s fiery shots around the court. Korpatsch managed to hit 13 winners, while Osaka produced 36 winners in the match. The Japanese player was tired after the match and spoke about the challenges of playing the sport as a mother.
The 26-year-old was asked to compare her getting her daughter to sleep and playing a match. Osaka hilariously replied that her daughter likes to stay awake, so it would be easier to play a match. She gave birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023. She welcomed the baby with her boyfriend, Cordae. The couple shared the news with the public.
Naomi Osaka after winning first tennis match in 16 months
“Which is easier, closing out a match or getting a newborn to sleep?”
Naomi: “Shai likes to fight her sleep. So I’d say preferably playing tennis over changing diapers” 😂 pic.twitter.com/b4ZRXOMLPz
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 1, 2024
Osaka has stepped into a new chapter by embracing motherhood. Her grit and determination will be an example to others. She will now continue her journey at Brisbane; Osaka will next face Karolina Pliskova in a heavyweight third-round battle. Pliskova leads their head-to-head clashes with three wins in five matches. Osaka will hope to extend her inspiring comeback for a few more days on the tour.
