Naomi Osaka to Play Abu Dhabi Open as Wild Card Following Australian Open Exit

Naomi Osaka has confirmed her participation in the Abu Dhabi Open in February after accepting a wild card invitation. The WTA 500 tournament is scheduled to be held at Zayed Sports City from February 3 to 11. This marks another significant step in Osaka’s comeback journey following the birth of her first child in July 2023.

The 26-year-old recently returned to competitive tennis at the Brisbane International earlier this month, followed by her participation in the Australian Open where she faced a first-round loss to Caroline Garcia. Expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, Osaka stated, “I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and showcase my skills to the passionate tennis fans in the UAE. Drawing from past experiences, I anticipate a fantastic atmosphere. The tournament boasts a strong field featuring some of the world’s top players, and I eagerly anticipate what promises to be an outstanding event.”

Several Grand Slam winners, including Elena Rybakina, Emma Raducanu, Barbora Krejcikova, and Jelena Ostapenko, are already part of the 28-player lineup at the Abu Dhabi Open. Additionally, players such as Caroline Garcia, Ons Jabeur, Daria Kasatkina, Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Liudmila Samsonova have been officially announced to participate in the tournament.

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“With the tournament just weeks away, we are thrilled to confirm Naomi Osaka’s participation, adding to the exceptional lineup,” stated Nigel Gupta, the tournament director. Reflecting on her recent experience at the Australian Open, where she previously secured two of her four Grand Slam titles, Osaka expressed that she gained valuable insights both on and off the court.

Commenting on Osaka’s performance, Henman noted her excellent level of play, positive body language, and competitive spirit during the Australian Open. He expressed optimism about her future prospects, stating that with continued dedication and the right approach, she has the potential to climb the rankings and pose a threat in future Grand Slam events. Robson echoed this sentiment, asserting that with a couple of matches, Osaka will regain her intensity and adjust to the pace set by top players, emphasizing that her skill level is not far from the elite standards.