%20121923de0e.jpg "When does Naomi Osaka play next? Japanese star makes tennis return at Brisbane International 2024")
Naomi Osaka has officially returned to the professional tennis scene.
The Japanese star is currently in action at the Brisbane International in January ahead of the season's first grand slam tournament, the Australian Open.
MORE: Nadal, Sabalenka headline star-studded Brisbane International field
When does Naomi Osaka play next?
Nearly five months after giving birth to her first child, Osaka has returned to the court for the 2024 tennis season.
The former world No. 1 is in action at the Brisbane International, which began on December 31, 2023 and will wrap up on January 7, 2024.
She won her opening match against Tamara Korpatsch in straight sets.
Osaka will next face off against Karolína Plíšková in the Round of 32, with a date and time yet to be confirmed.
She notably made back-to-back semifinal appearances in Brisbane in 2019 and 2020.
“I am really excited about getting back out on court and competing," Osaka said last year.
"I always love starting my season in Brisbane and can’t wait to return.
"The Brisbane International is such a great tournament and will set me up for a brilliant comeback this summer."
Osaka is joined by several big names at the event including Rafael Nadal, Aryna Sabalenka, Andy Murray, Victoria Azarenka, Holger Rune and Grigor Dimitrov.
Naomi Osaka: Grand Slam record, titles, prize money
Osaka is a former world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam tournament winner.
Intriguingly, she has never made it past the fourth round in any of her other 17 Grand Slam appearances.
Four of her seven major WTA titles have been Grand Slams, with her other victories coming in Osaka, Beijing (2019) and Indian Wells (2018).
She has amassed more than US$20 million in career prize money.
When is Australian Open 2024?
Australian Open 2024 will commence on Sunday, January 14 and become a 15-day event for the first time, finishing on Sunday, January 28.
This will see the first round run over three days instead of two.
Usually, the tournament begins on a Monday and is a 14-day showcase.
Full Australia/New Zealand 2024 summer of tennis schedule
| Date | Event | Location |
| Dec 29 - Jan 7 | United Cup | Perth and Sydney |
| Dec 31 - Jan 7 | Brisbane International | Brisbane |
| Dec 31- Jan 6 | Canberra International | Canberra |
| Jan 1 - Jan 13 | ASB Classic | Auckland |
| Jan 8 - Jan 13 | Adelaide International | Adelaide |
| Jan 8 - Jan 11 | Australian Open qualifying | Melbourne |
| Jan 8 - Jan 13 | Hobart International | Hobart |
| Jan 8 - Jan 12 | Victorian Wheelchair Open | Melbourne |
| Jan 10 - Jan 12 | Kooyong Classic | Melbourne |
| Jan 12 - Jan 17 | Traralgon Junior International | Traralgon |
| Jan 14 - Jan 28 | Australian Open | Melbourne |
| Jan 14 - Jan 19 | Melbourne Wheelchair Open | Melbourne |
| Jan 20 - Jan 27 | AO Junior Championships | Melbourne |
| Jan 23 - Jan 17 | AO Wheelchair Championships | Melbourne |