Japan’s Naomi Osaka made a winning comeback after four months out with a victory in the first round of the Melbourne Summer Set event.
The reigning Australian Open champion, 24, took an indefinite break from tennis after a third-round defeat at September’s US Open.
She was far from her best on her return but still did enough to beat France’s, Alize Cornet.
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 might be my favourite slam so it feels really good to always come back here.”
Osaka won the opening set and broke early in the second before Cornet fought back to win four straight games and the set.
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