Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka is set to make her return to competitive tennis at the WTA 250 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open later this month.
The four-time Grand Slam champion will join a star-studded field, including Emma Raducanu, Simona Halep, and defending champion Leylah Fernandez.
Osaka's participation comes as a surprise, following her recent withdrawal from the China Open due to a back injury.
The Japanese star had also pulled out of her hometown tournament, the Kinoshita Group Japan Open, and the Wuhan Open.
The Hong Kong event, scheduled from 26 October to 3 November, marks Osaka's first appearance in the city since 2018.
Osaka's recent setback occurred during the China Open in Beijing. The world No. 58 retired from her round-of-16 match against Coco Gauff on 1 October, citing a lower back problem.
Naomi Osaka suffered an injury setback at the China Open
PA
Despite winning the first set, Osaka was forced to withdraw after losing the second.
The injury proved more severe than initially thought, prompting her to pull out of subsequent tournaments.
In an Instagram story, Osaka revealed, "It was worse than what I thought (I just have a high pain tolerance lol) and I'm trying my best to potentially play Tokyo but I'm still waiting to see what the doctor says."
JUST IN: England open talks with Thomas Tuchel over vacant position
The Hong Kong Tennis Open boasts an impressive lineup of players. British No. 1 Katie Boulter will join the competition, alongside rising star Diana Shnaider and world No. 38 Anastasia Potapova.
Former world No. 2 Li Na will serve as the tournament director, adding prestige to the event.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen speaks out on Red Bull future amid Mercedes interest
The tournament, held at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium, marks Osaka's return to Hong Kong since her 2017 appearance and 2018 fan greeting.
Despite withdrawing from the 2018 event due to injury, Osaka's participation this year has generated excitement among local tennis enthusiasts.
Emma Raducanu, another star attraction, is also targeting the Hong Kong event for her comeback.
Emma Raducanu is planning a grand return at the Hong Kong Open
PA
The 21-year-old Brit has been sidelined since retiring from the Korea Open quarter-final with a foot injury.
Raducanu, who recently shed her protective boot, aims to use the tournament as preparation for Britain's Billie Jean King Cup Finals quarter-final against Germany next month.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
- Ben Whittaker whisked away by security after airport fracas as injury details emerge from controversial fight
- Ronnie O'Sullivan branded a 'sell out' after opening first snooker academy in Saudi Arabia
- Frazer Clarke health update as British boxer left with jaw wired after brutal knockout loss to Fabio Wardley
Naomi Osaka looks set to join a star-studded line-up at the Hong Kong Open
PA
Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Simona Halep continues her return to competitive tennis following a reduced doping ban.
The Romanian's presence adds further depth to an already impressive field, setting the stage for a thrilling competition at Victoria Park.
You may like
