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Naomi Osaka has confirmed her first post-Australian Open tournament as the former world No. 1 accepted a main draw wildcard into the Abu Dhabi Open.
Osaka, 26, played her first tournament as a mom at the Brisbane International before returning to the Australian Open, where she is a two-time champion. After playing her first two tournaments back in Australia, Osaka is now set to go to the Middle East to continue her comeback.
In Abu Dhabi, the 26-year-old Japanese will be making her debut appearance. In the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Osaka will face some tough competition as Elena Rybakina, Ons Jabeur, and Maria Sakkari are among the names who are set to compete at the Abu Dhabi Open.
Before Osaka, 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu also received an Abu Dhabi main draw wildcard.
Osaka excited about going to Abu Dhabi
Ahead of her Abu Dhabi debut, Osaka claims she is really excited and looking forward to competing in the tournament.
"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."
In her first post-pregnancy match in Brisbane, Osaka defeated Tamara Korpatsch in straight sets. After the Korpatsch match, Osaka won the first set against former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova before losing in three sets.
In her return to Melbourne Park, Osaka had brutal luck with her draw after drawing Caroline Garcia in the first round. Against Garcia, Osaka competed well but the Frenchwoman escaped with a 6-4 7-6 (2) win.
Now, Osaka is set to play again at the Abu Dhabi Open, which takes place between February 05-11. It remains to be seen if Osaka can make her first big post-pregnancy result in Abu Dhabi.