Osaka leads Brisbane International’s grand slam cast as Kyrgios return looms

Four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka will announce her comeback to tennis at the Brisbane International, spearheading a group featuring a trio of former world No.1s.

The 26-year-old two-time Australian Open winner has been on hiatus from the sport, sitting out the entirety of 2023 to have her first baby.

Naomi Osaka will make her return to tennis at the Brisbane International. Credit: AP

Osaka will be joined by former Wimbledon and US Open victor Andy Murray, two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka, Danish top 10 star Holger Rune and veteran Grigor Dimitrov.

Brisbane International tournament director Cam Pearson said it was thrilling the tournament’s return – having not been a fixture on the calendar since before the COVID-19 pandemic – would be highlighted by the Japanese star’s comeback.

As for Murray, a former winner at the event who has battled a tumultuous run with injuries in recent years, it could be the last time Australian fans get to witness the 36-year-old in action.

The British icon’s career appeared over when he underwent hip surgery in 2018, and fell out of the top 800 in the world rankings.

Andy Murray will feature at the Brisbane International. Credit: Reuters

Despite indifferent form in 2023 – most recently going down to Australian Alex de Minaur at the Paris Masters – Pearson was confident Murray could rediscover the form that made him one of the game’s finest players.

“He’s the bionic man, isn’t he? It’s really interesting with Andy, he’s just got a real love of the game and I think he’ll keep playing until he loses that and it becomes a chore,” Pearson said.

“But right now, he just enjoys the game so much and that’s what he said to me. He just wants to get back playing. Four years later, he’s almost back to his best, which is fantastic.

“Naomi was always wanting to come back, and she targeted the Australian summer as a starting point, so it’s a natural progression for her to play here in Brisbane.

“She’s played here before, she knows the conditions, she knows the stadium, she knows she’s going to optimise her preparation for Melbourne, so it was an easy conversation.”

Pearson confirmed more players would be announced in the coming weeks.

It sparked questions regarding whether Australian star Nick Kyrgios would be fit to make a comeback.

Injuries have kept the polarising 28-year-old sidelined for the 2023 season.

Ankle, wrist and knee setbacks derailed his campaign, as did a laceration in his foot while allegedly attempting to prevent the theft of his car.

Nick Kyrgios continues to recover from an injury-plagued 2023.Credit: AP

That incident forced him out of the French Open, and Pearson confirmed he was still recovering from his most recent wrist surgery.

“Nick’s got time to continue his rehab and it’d be great to see him out on the courts in January.

“I think Nick needs to do what’s best for Nick. Certainly he’s played here before – he’s a former champion – and he really enjoys playing out here on Pat Rafter Arena, so I’d be really hopeful that if we see him playing in January we’ll see him here in Brisbane.”

The Brisbane International begins on December 31.