Tennis fans react to massive Naomi Osaka news after injury layoff
Tennis fans have reacted with delight after Naomi Osaka appears set to undertake a full hard court season after accepting a wildcard into the Silicon Valley Classic.
Osaka initially had reservations about competing at Wimbledon after the WTA and ATP stripped the tournament of ranking points as the 24-year-old looks to climb back up the rankings.
OUCH: Ash Barty leaves fans heartbroken with huge announcement
BRUTAL: Novak Djokovic cops crushing blow after Wimbledon triumph
However, she ended up withdrawing due to an Achilles injury.
“My Achilles still isn’t right so I’ll see you next time", she wrote on Twitter announcing the move.
While Osaka didn't play Wimbledon her rehabilitation in recent weeks seems to have gone well with the four-time grand slam champ entering into the first hard court tournament in San Jose.
She is also expected to take compete at the Canadian Open.
Fans were quick to hail the brilliant news to have a two-time US Open winner back on the court.
Naomi Osaka confirmed in San José.
Good too see her planning a full schedule for the US Hardcourt summer: San José, Toronto, Cincinnati and then the US Open. https://t.co/5dvEUiOyLK— José Morgado (@josemorgado) July 18, 2022
Four-time Grand Slam champion 🏆
Former world No.1 🌎
All-around @WTA icon 😎
Welcome to San Jose, @naomiosaka #MubadalaSVC pic.twitter.com/F5TYId2jv4— Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic (@MubadalaSVC) July 18, 2022
Love to see it! Naomi Osaka signs on for San Jose. https://t.co/upFclEl7IW
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) July 18, 2022
Naomi Osaka returns to WTA debut tournament
The Silicon Valley Classic will boast a strong field of stars with Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, World No.5 Ons Jabeur, American star Coco Gauff and 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu all entered.
Incredibly, Osaka made her WTA main card debut at the Silicon Valley Classic.
Osaka was ranked World No.406 when she made her qualification appearance at the age of 16.
She advanced to the main draw where she defeated Aussie Sam Stosur in what would have been a memorable victory in her first match.
Osaka was able to grab a selfie with her idol growing up, Serena Williams, during the event.
.@WTA New kid on the block Naomi Osaka takes a quick selfie with @serenawilliams @BOTWClassic #wta pic.twitter.com/DfriomFvDy
— Kevin Fischer (@Kfish_WTA) July 30, 2014
Osaka has unfortunately slipped to World No.38 after some mixed form in 2022.
In other big news for the WTA Tour, organisers of the Canadian Open event confirmed Williams' participation on Thursday as the 23-time grand slam champion continues her comeback.
The 40-year-old ended a 12-month absence from the tour when she played at Wimbledon earlier this month, losing in the first round to Harmony Tan.
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.