Tennis stars Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal have made their much-anticipated returns to the sport at the Brisbane International. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and new mother, won her first match back after a 15-month hiatus, defeating Tamara Korpatsch in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(9). She then faced Karolina Pliskova in the second round but was defeated 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4. Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal, who has been away from the tour for 349 days due to injury, made a triumphant return, defeating Dominic Thiem in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1, in his first singles match since the 2023 Australian Open. Nadal, who underwent hip surgery in June, expressed pride in his comeback and is set to face either Aslan Karatsev or Jason Kubler next.
Naomi Osaka knocked out in second round of Brisbane International — her first tournament as a mom https://t.co/LvIS9lCvW2
Osaka's first tournament as a mom ends in a loss to 3-time winner Pliskova in Brisbane (from @AP) https://t.co/1KeNB6fLUH
RUNEEEEEEEE 🤯 @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/1WniWySevd
Brisbane tomorrow, with Rafael Nadal back on court at 6.30pm. https://t.co/S2iIhtwAZI
Naomi Osaka stresses positives after exit at Brisbane comeback tournament https://t.co/Ix62c07xEM
📅 Save the date! 🎾 On Thursday, catch the showdown between Rafa Nadal and Jason Kubler in the second round of Brisbane International 2024. ⏰ For your local time, click here: ⤵️ https://t.co/0UTsBNfOfB
Naomi Osaka is OUT of the Brisbane International after a thoroughly enjoyable match with Karolina Pliskova 🔥🎾 And we weren't the only ones to have a good time... https://t.co/hDkqf3Atdw
A spectacular performance 👏 @KaPliskova defeats Osaka in a three set thriller 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/LQ7d7FreBc
Comeback complete 🫡 @KaPliskova rallies from a set down to halt Naomi Osaka's return to action and win a 10th straight match at @BrisbaneTennis. How it happened⤵️ https://t.co/G5qaqJQcJO
Pliskova prevails over Osaka 🇨🇿😤 She spoils the 4x grand slam champ’s return to tour with 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 victory. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/dzGvWlbQii
Striking back 💥 @KaPliskova takes the second 7-6 (4) over Osaka and forces a decider. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/BSC3MlvXx8
Pliskova takes the 2nd set, forces a 3rd vs. Osaka in Brisbane. 3-6, 7-6(4). Naomi didn't face a break point all set, but Pliskova was great, specially in the tiebreak. Amazing level. Both players destroying the ball. https://t.co/XV4CAwZiIA
Osaka on fire 🔥 She takes the opening set 6-3 over Pliskova! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/R7xkNUOSry
On fire 🔥 @naomiosaka takes the first set 6-3 over Pliskova. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/lfogreMcwo
Osaka was 2-0, 40-15 to start the match vs. Pliskova but gets broken right back. This Brisbane R2 should be good.
The forehands 🎾 The fist-pumps 💪 The water bottles 💦 @RafaelNadal’s return at the @BrisbaneTennis felt like old times, as the 37-year-old gave tennis a New Year’s jolt 🍾 From @SteveTignor: https://t.co/ALS6M6RSye
Rafael Nadal Makes Rousing Return To Tennis, Tops Thiem In Brisbane https://t.co/t7WdZBY2Iz
Nadal Defeats Thiem in Brisbane Comeback; Faces Kubler Next. https://t.co/NjScyoqyMv
Nadal returns with a win in Brisbane in first competitive singles match in a year https://t.co/aESg3lk1Cz
Glad to have you back @RafaelNadal 🫶 https://t.co/vgMxde6EmK
Rafael Nadal makes a triumphant return in Brisbane, defeating Dominic Thiem in straight sets. #ATP https://t.co/ZV7Ue4xjko
‘Emotional’ Rafael Nadal back to singles action with victory over Dominic Thiem https://t.co/fALNYGltJG
Nadal roars to victory over Thiem in Brisbane singles comeback https://t.co/n6QuEVG6R5 https://t.co/qn41ok9e2a
Is this the best way to start the new year? I think so!! @RafaelNadal is back!🫶 https://t.co/15aoNDJXjN
Rafael Nadal wins at Brisbane International on long-awaited return from injury https://t.co/KolaPOfbol
"That is not a statistic I was aware of" 😆 Rafa had no idea he was on the verge of overtaking Ivan Lendl for singles match wins! @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/4rymwMgG8o
Hear from @RafaelNadal after his emotional victory 🙌 #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/qgzO3uSGGH
Rafa is back. Rafael Nadal makes winning return as he beats Dominic Thiem in straight sets at Brisbane International 🔥🔥https://t.co/amZi7HNBJu
"I just feel proud" 🥺 @RafaelNadal reflects on an emotional comeback win vs Thiem #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/Q4mOyv32L7
He's back. @RafaelNadal https://t.co/zl9W8YVxK6
We've got our hero back! 🙌 Rafael Nadal beats Dominic Thiem in his first competitive tennis match in almost a year, and what a performance it was 🔥 https://t.co/OctYVI4vAS
Game, set & match Nadal 🇪🇸 The moment @RafaelNadal defeated Thiem in his comeback match! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/qRTnw7pajA
OUTSTANDING performance from @RafaelNadal! 7-5, 6-1 win over Thiem in his first singles match in 349 days! Great to have the legend back. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/z71PAMkiCS
Rafa is back, Rafa is here to stay 💪 @RafaelNadal wins his first match after a 12-month absence from tennis 🎾 https://t.co/9bjKXO4uom
Back like he never left 💪 @RafaelNadal | @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/FNSyK16ptd
22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, back on tour after 349 days, gets a very nice comeback win in Brisbane, beating fellow Slam champ Dominic Thiem 7-5, 6-1 to reach the 2nd round. Very, very impressive. He will face Karatsev or Kubler on Thursday. https://t.co/epItXbA2BJ
After 349 days, Rafael Nadal is BACK! And not only that, he looked wayyyy better than when he was playing at the end of 2022/start of 2023. Strong on serve, loads of returns in play, moved well, and sharp in the high pressure moments. 7-5, 6-1 over Dominic Thiem in Brisbane.
Rafael Nadal Roars Back: Triumphs Over Dominic Thiem in Brisbane After 349 Days Out of Action! https://t.co/jjL6pE0vgH
WINNING RETURN FOR RAFA! 💪 For his 1st match since almost a year, Rafael Nadal defeats Dominic Thiem 7-5 6-1 in Brisbane 1st round VAMOOOOOS! https://t.co/Kn7vlVgsir
HE'S BACK❗ 🇪🇸 @RafaelNadal has made a winning return to the singles court, defeating Dominic Thiem, 7-5 6-1, in an all-Grand Slam champion clash in Brisbane. 💪 It was Nadal's first singles match in 349 days, since last year's Australian Open. He underwent hip surgery in June:
BACK WITH A BANG 💪 @RafaelNadal produces a magnificent display to beat Thiem in his first match back on tour! #BrisbaneInternational https://t.co/rv1Hv1WY9i
🎵 Guess who's back, back again? RAFA'S back, tell a friend 🎵 Superb performance from Rafa Nadal against Thiem! First match in almost 12 months ✅👏 #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/b4JEjOMjWC
Lovely backhand pass from Rafa to break Thiem! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/Nxa6uvMwi9
"He's pushed it long!" 👀 Rafael Nadal takes the first set in a tight, high-quality Brisbane battle with Austrian Dominic Thiem... https://t.co/1Yuo3ZM91W
Set one to Rafa!! Nadal earns the first break of the match to take a 7-5 lead against Thiem. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/JaBEPamWwI
Nadal breaks and takes the first set 7-5 vs. Thiem in Brisbane. Needed 4 SPs. Serving great, didn't face a break point. Thiem playing well too, only faced BPs in the last game.
Rafa into the lead! @RafaelNadal takes the opener 7-5 vs Thiem at #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/DDo3WInIfp
A joy to watch! 👏 @RafaelNadal takes the opener 7-5 over Thiem. @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/IhGraMTP2G
The volley was great. But the reaction was even better 🤩 @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/V2FloWxgaT
Rafael Nadal began his first singles match in almost a year at the Brisbane International Tuesday against Dominic Thiem, kickstarting what could be the Spaniard's farewell season. #AFPSports ➡️ https://t.co/tgPPv1R4z1 https://t.co/r9VMOI8hTY
"That is amazing" 🤩 Great start for @RafaelNadal 🔥 @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/AjuuGTXhlq
𝑊𝑒𝑙𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 @RafaelNadal @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/agOD2TQBYe
Rafa Nadal: sidelined from tennis for almost a year Also Rafa Nadal: hits a trademark forehand winner in his first point back in singles ⚡️ @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/qcsElyFpQT
After 349 days, 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal plays a singles match. 1st round in Brisbane underway against fellow Slam champ Dominic Thiem! https://t.co/LxFtTa52OR
Rafa RETURNS! 🔥 The Spaniard is dancing with excitement ahead of his match against Dominic Thiem, and so are we! Watch the action from Brisbane, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Mix now 👀🎾 https://t.co/7TiIwRaWtV
RAFAAAAAA IS BACK! Nadal vs. Thiem starts now ➡️ https://t.co/tPoe44TDv0 #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/rzgdZ8rv08
THIS IS NOT A DRILL🚨 @RafaelNadal is ready 💪 @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/hpbe6rSDpk
HE'S BACK! 🐂 Rafael Nadal (🎥 @TennisTV) https://t.co/JFUmzp9nw4
Happy Rafa vs Domi day to all those who celebrate 🫶 Stream Nadal vs Thiem live in Brisbane: https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX https://t.co/jiF27Ydjg8
The moment we've all been waiting for! After nearly a year away from tennis, @RafaelNadal is back in singles action 😍 #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/rUIZs5Yg7H
RAFA. IS. BACK. 🤩 @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis | @RafaelNadal https://t.co/uUFmgUXjGQ
Watch Nadal vs. Thiem live from Brisbane tonight right here ⤵️ https://t.co/5EmSQEKnZH
Naomi Osaka Makes Winning Comeback In Brisbane, Beats Korpatsch https://t.co/JxeRoVXdjl
Rafael Nadal To Return Tuesday In Brisbane Against Dominic Thiem! https://t.co/l3g5YtentS
Kicking off the New Year right 🥳 HBD, @gill_trenton! https://t.co/9vIcAxvzoD
Full of entertainment 🍿 @GrigorDimitrov from a set down gets the better of Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-2! @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/JhHkgLCIzB
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is well and truly back! #BBCTennis #BrisbaneInternational
Former world number one and new mother Naomi Osaka said she was proud to have won her first match back after a long break, admitting she had been "super nervous". #AFPSports ➡️ https://t.co/xsQE3v2p4E https://t.co/ybmLdYvblU
That is cheeky 😎 #BrisbaneTennis @andy_murray https://t.co/bxLWINmScO
Successful return for Naomi Osaka! 🙌 16 months after stopping her career to give birth to her daughter, 4-time Grand Slam champion has beaten Tamara Korpatsch 6-3 7-6 in Brisbane 1st round https://t.co/LLELrAtIqG
Brisbane. @RafaelNadal’s return. Ready to leave it all on the court once again. https://t.co/5UOTolnvcB
🗣️ "It feels good to be back" Naomi Osaka made a winning return to the tennis court with straight sets victory over Tamara Korpatsch 🎾 https://t.co/Z2cpg8HdlH
Naomi Osaka returns to elite tennis from a maternity break and wins her first match in Brisbane (from @AP) https://t.co/JaLwCGyRnC
Right on 🎯 @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/OLaFAKH70l
Happy new year! 🎉 @JacCollinsworth @Rodney_Harrison @TonyDungy https://t.co/QYQ4r7PV85
New mother Naomi Osaka makes winning return in Brisbane International https://t.co/Q8OHIoCuCD
Naomi Osaka Gets Comeback Win In Return to Elite Tennis at the Brisbane International https://t.co/CeXg97El0d
New mother Osaka makes winning return in Brisbane https://t.co/GV9GR9M3xQ https://t.co/HHw62JMq7T
NAOMI. IS. BACK. 😎 @naomiosaka launched her WTA comeback with a New Year's Day win in Brisbane. 🥳 The four-time major winner held off Korpatsch, 6-3, 7-6 (9), saving two set points. 💪 “I was super nervous playing the entire time. But I was really excited to be out here.”
She's back! 💪 In her comeback match, Naomi Osaka takes down Tamara Korpatsch in straight sets. https://t.co/cbaRdyDSZJ
Putting up a W 🙌 In her first match back in 15 months, @naomiosaka comes out on top against Korpatsch, 6-3, 7-6 (9)! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/BWrAoQigft
Welcome back, Naomi! 👋 @naomiosaka wins her first match back, taking down Tamara Korpatsch in straight sets 6-3, 7-6(9). She moves on and faces Pliskova in the second round. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/Nbe7QgwYhb
Naomi Osaka wins in her comeback match to the tour, holding on through a roller coaster finish for a 6-3, 7-6(9) victory over Tamara Korpatsch in the Brisbane R1. She next faces a fellow former #1, Karolina Pliskova.
First set in the bag 👜💥 In her first match back, Naomi Osaka jumps out to a 6-3 lead over Tamara Korpatsch. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/6M5kSzzu45
Welcome back to the stage 4-time grand slam champion, Naomi Osaka! Watch live → https://t.co/tPoe44TDv0 #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/GhfMSSP7U6
Four-time major champ and former #1 Naomi Osaka on court for her first match since September 2022, warming up in Brisbane against #84 Tamara Korpatsch.
Rafael Nadal 🤝 Andy Murray On his own journey back from a hip injury, @RafaelNadal says @andy_murray's documented comeback is "a very positive example of passion." #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/SyplP0zUq2
SO good to have you back competing, @RafaelNadal! 👋 Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson defeated Nadal and Marc Lopez, 6-4, 6-4, in Brisbane Sunday. https://t.co/rUmm2MzCYK
Brisbane R1 preview and prediction: Nadal vs. Thiem https://t.co/l79XYltQB6
Welcome back, @RafaelNadal. 👋 Welcome back, Olympic champion. 🎾🥇 https://t.co/1ipeMAaK87
All smiles regardless of result 😇 @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/fPhUUj0yOK
Reflexes on point ⚡️ @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/4N6kDE5aTM
💥 Thiem vs Nadal 💥 This is what the draw has decided for Rafael Nadal's big return in a tournament in Brisbane! Incredible isn't it? https://t.co/J9x63SC6SE
Can't stop smiling out there 🤠 @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/Kht5QQXNLh
Backhand beauty 🤩 @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis | @RafaelNadal https://t.co/yMWcHMpUzK
Welcome back, @RafaelNadal 👋 @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/zD435tR0mA
HE'S BACK!!! Watch @RafaelNadal's first match in almost a year at #BrisbaneTennis live now: https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX https://t.co/oZMQqvzViz
Please welcome, from Spain: RAFAEL. NADAL! @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/zGKJabkn8c
Y'all ready for this? 👀 @RafaelNadal returns to the ATP tour in Brisbane, facing @domithiem in a 16th meeting between the two! @BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/88G3yknyEh
BREAKING: Rafael Nadal will play his first singles match in almost a year in Brisbane round 1 against... Dominic Thiem. Rematch of two Roland Garros finals won by Nadal. Rafa leads the h2h 9-6, Dominic won the last two (in 2020). https://t.co/L6a4sj47tL
Former #1 and 4-time Grand Slam champ Naomi Osaka comes back to tennis tomorrow, 11am in Brisbane. Fantastic January 1st OOP includes Rune, Shelton, Korda and Murray vs. Dimitrov! https://t.co/KOopdJyhdc
#Tennis #BrisbaneInternational #RafaelNadal leaves door open to playing beyond 2024 🎾 @RafaelNadal said he did not know for sure what the future held Full Story 👉 https://t.co/zUcDj9DPqU https://t.co/hH4pRWkDyr
grand slams champs only 💅🏾 📸: @BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/pTpFfNIjWa
Former top 3 Dominic Thiem, who saved three match points in QR1, comes back again to beat Giulio Zeppieri 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 and qualify for the Brisbane ATP 250 main draw. Great effort. He is one of the players who can face Rafa Nadal on Tuesday. Draw later today. https://t.co/M3fXpC4yk1
Japan's Naomi Osaka admits she almost gave up tennis but has rekindled her love of the sport after becoming a mother earlier this year as she prepares for a return in Brisbane. https://t.co/Q0IXBhiFsx #AFPSports https://t.co/4HDBtX4hW3
RAFA IS BACK‼️ Are you ready? VAMOS‼️ 🎥: @TennisTV https://t.co/TtjeXaPCUr
Guess who's back? Tomorrow, 22-time Grand Slam champion @RafaelNadal plays his first professional match in almost a year 😍 Watch live on Tennis TV: https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX https://t.co/PrZPvHjoSU
Welcome back @RafaelNadal. Your strength and determination over the past year have been an inspiration. We can’t wait to see you in action again at the @BrisbaneTennis tournament on December 31st. #RichardMille https://t.co/1QarSSVmzq
Naomi Osaka talks to @WTA_insider as she makes her return in Brisbane. https://t.co/9kP4NLgI0W
🎾 Don't miss the action! ⏰ What time is the showdown you've been waiting for? 🇪🇸 Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez take on Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson in Brisbane Doubles R1. 🌏 Check your local time! ⤵️ https://t.co/A83whalLSk
A practice of KINGS in Brisbane Nadal 🤝 Murray (📷 @RafaelNadal) https://t.co/YVUMDhuW94
Rafa is back! 💪 And he will return to action against a qualifier in the first round of @BrisbaneTennis 👀 @RafaelNadal | #BrisbaneTennis Read more 👇
Naomi Osaka speaking to the press ahead of her comeback in Brisbane. https://t.co/y9nApcV3XQ
A couple of legends having a hit 🌟 @RafaelNadal 🤝 @andy_murray #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/1C2RIXoK7s
The @BrisbaneTennis draws are out 👀 Who are @naomiosaka and @RafaelNadal's first opponents of their 2024 comebacks? 🍿 https://t.co/NuosdkVdQG
Naomi Osaka's first match in 15 months is set! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/ZBzUycovf1
ATP Tour and WTA 2024 Singles Draws: Brisbane, Hong Kong, Auckland and Canberra. Nadal and Osaka return ⤵️ https://t.co/F3bH3fmdl2
Naomi Osaka's comeback match is locked in 🔒 #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/9F2jFwL8Gi
Nadal will face a qualifier in his first match back 👀 @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/9BNL1wBJSg
Naomi goes native in Brisbane 🐨 Former world No. 1 @naomiosaka talks her return to action after giving birth to daughter Shai last summer: https://t.co/fNhiEGrAGN
"After giving birth I can handle 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜!" Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka will make her return at Brisbane International next week 🤩 https://t.co/spTseqjW2o
Naomi Osaka says she is returning to tennis with a 'changed perspective' after becoming a mother. #BBCTennis https://t.co/bYz6D36sXI
It's comeback season in Brisbane 🎾 Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal make their returns to the WTA and ATP tours respectively, and you can watch both live in action on Sky Sports this weekend 📺 https://t.co/LzeHJj6Led
🎾 Mark your calendars and clear your schedules because you won’t want to miss a moment of Rafa #Nadal’s doubles and singles action at the Brisbane International! 🗓️⤵️ https://t.co/DEgKQCGyrx
Just a few days away from Naomi Osaka's big comeback in Brisbane! https://t.co/IIpaHI71Kf
Back to work 😤 @RafaelNadal https://t.co/Me8YvYSKpI
"I'm happy to be back on the tour and happy to be here in Brisbane after a few years." - @RafaelNadal https://t.co/iOq7Zm6J9k
All smiles for Rafa's return in Brisbane 😁 https://t.co/1wPHrn4RAZ
Naomi Osaka at practice in Brisbane for her 1st tournament since 💥 16 months 💥 (🎥 @naomiosaka) https://t.co/oEx8w9oENj
Rafa RETURNS! ⚡ Are you ready to watch 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal begin his final expected tour? Watch all the action from the Brisbane International, live on Sky Sports from December 31 🎾 https://t.co/tRVkNXgrjD
G'day, @RafaelNadal! 🤩 Rafa enjoyed his first hit in Brisbane Thursday, as his comeback to the ATP Tour fast approaches:
Rafa Nadal is back at a tennis tournament 👋 @BrisbaneTennis #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/BnBrwQFNa1
🌟 Rafa #Nadal is back on the practice court in Brisbane, and we can’t contain our joy. 🎾✨ Welcome back, Rafa! More photos: ⤵️ https://t.co/bJYsX3XcLx
We've missed you so much ❤️ @RafaelNadal | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/vBnU0muP5b
👋 Rafael Nadal has arrived in Brisbane where he's going to play his 1st tournament since 2023 Australian Open! (📷 @BrisbaneTennis) https://t.co/TA389PI4c5
Naomi Osaka hits practice court to prepare for her tennis return at the Brisbane International (from @AP) https://t.co/NqrkQZqyM8
We’ve missed you on the courts, @RafaelNadal! Welcome back! 👋 https://t.co/iuHinDWr8a
We missed you on the courts, @RafaelNadal! Welcome back! 👋 https://t.co/iuHinDWr8a
Rafa Nadal has arrived at the Brisbane International. First time back at a tournament in 343 days. It’s a long road back. But Rafa’s walked it before. He knows the way. 🥹 https://t.co/onRczhiDI6
The wait is over! 🎾 @RafaelNadal has arrived in Brisbane! 🇦🇺🌟🙌 https://t.co/Ek0n6nzBZX
Welcome back @naomiosaka 💜 #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/T3DjWl9nLd
Guess who's back? Naomi Osaka, four-time Grand Slam champion and new mom, hit the practice court in Brisbane on Christmas Day, in advance of her return to the tour: https://t.co/ea0S0N5dXa