Osaka reflects on life as quarantine period ends

Naomi Osaka thanked authorities for looking her after the 14-day quarantine period ended today.

“The biggest thing it gave me was the chance to look inside myself, so it was more mental than anything tennis-related,” she said as she posed with fans for selfies.

Osaka will today take on Serena Williams at the Memorial Drive Exhibition as players begin warm-up for the main event, The Australian Open, which begins on February 8.

South Australian State Premier Steven Marshall said it was a “pretty exciting day for South Australia” to have players with 67 grand slams between competing in Adelaide.

“It’s fantastic to have them here — we couldn’t be more excited,” he said.

“I’ve heard from the players that they’ve been down to the beach, over to the zoo, out for a coffee this morning.

“I think they’re enjoying their newfound freedom and I hope they really get to enjoy a little bit of Adelaide before they head off to the Australian Open.”