“Novak Djokovic is a gentleman, the tennis giant with heart of gold” – Serb welcoming Naomi Osaka & Emma … – Sportskeeda
Novak Djokovic extending a warm welcome back to Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu upon their winning returns to the tour has left tennis fans delighted.
Osaka, who last competed on the tour in September 2022, made a return to the tour at the Brisbane International after a 15-month hiatus. Having given birth to her daughter Shai in July, the four-time Grand Slam champion secured her first win as a mother on her comeback, defeating Tamara Korpatsch 6-3, 7-6(9) in the first round of the WTA 500 event.
Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu made a return to the court at the ASB Classic after an eight-month injury layoff. She battled it out against Elena-Gabriela Ruse in a closely contested first round clash at the WTA 250 event, ultimately securing a hard-fought 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 victory.
With their successful comebacks generating immense excitement within the tennis community, Novak Djokovic also warmly welcomed Osaka and Raducanu back to the tour.
“Welcome back,” he posted on his Instagram stories.
Novak Djokovic has led Serbia to the quarterfinals of the 2024 United Cup. The 24-time Grand Slam champion played an instrumental role in Serbia’s triumph over the Czech Republic, defeating Jiri Lehecka 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-1.
Next up, Serbia will take on home favorites Australia for a place in the semifinals. The World No. 1 addressed the upcoming clash during a press conference in Perth, predicting that while there would be “a lot of noise” from the crowd, he expected that the Australian team would garner the majority of the support.
“A lot of noise I think from both sides, from both cheerleading groups. Of course probably more expectably and logically more Australians,” he said.
Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka will continue her comeback against Karolina Pliskova at the Brisbane International. Pliskova leads 3-2 in her head-to-head against the four-time Grand Slam champion, having won their most recent encounter at the 2022 Brisbane International in three sets.
Emma Raducanu, on the other hand, will lock horns with Elina Svitolina in a blockbuster clash in the second round of the ASB Classic, marking their first-ever tour-level encounter.
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