Former world number one
Naomi Osaka is set to return to the
court much sooner than expected after suffering a heartbreaking exit from the
Australian Open.
The 26-year-old recently returned to the court after
spending more than one year on the sidelines because of pregnancy.
However, her much-awaited return did not go as per plan as
she was first knocked out of the Brisbane International after losing in the
second round to the Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova with a score of 3-6, 7-6,
6-4.
Later in the first Grand Slam of the year, Osaka’s journey came
to an early end as she in the first round of the competition to France’s Caroline
Garcia in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 7-2.
It was feared that an early exit might push Osaka to once again
take a little break from sport but as per the latest development, she will be playing
in the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in February.
The Osaka-born was quoted in a report recently where she
stated that she is very excited to become part of the competition.
“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," she said.