Back to the Tennis Newsfeed

Naomi Osaka: Former world number one wins on return after four-month break

Japan's Naomi Osaka made a winning comeback after four months out with victory in the first round of the Melbourne Summer Set event.

The 24-year-old was playing her first match since September's US Open after taking a break to deal with mental health issues.

She was far from her best but still did enough to beat France's Alize Cornet 6-4 3-6 6-3.

Osaka had 57 unforced errors, including eight double faults.

"I really love playing here," she told the WTA after the match.

"I love New York, but this [the upcoming Australian Open] might be my favourite slam so it feels really good to always come back here.