Sydney [Australia], Dec 3 (ANI): US Open champion Naomi Osaka has confirmed her participation in the upcoming Sydney International tournament beginning January 6.

The 20-year-old will be joining the likes of Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber and world number one Simona Halep in a week-long tournament. Osaka said that she is looking forward to play in front of the Sydney crowd for the very first time.

"I've seen photos of Sydney, it looks like an amazing city to visit and I've heard great things about the tournament from other players who have played there. I'm looking forward to playing in front of the Sydney fans for the first time, and hopefully getting plenty of court time in at Sydney Olympic Park in the lead-in to the Australian Open," official website of Sydney International quoted Osaka, as saying.

Tournament director Lawrence Robertson also welcomed the participation of the Japanese player saying that she is one of the most exciting players to play in the event.

"Naomi is the talk of the tennis world after her powerful and poised performance at the US Open. She is one of the most exciting players - and intriguing personalities - competing right now, and we are delighted that Sydney fans will have the opportunity to enjoy her thrilling brand of tennis firsthand here at Olympic Park," Robertson said.

"After her breakthrough in New York, big things are being predicted for Naomi, and we look forward to seeing her continue to fulfill her enormous potential here at the Sydney International," he added.

Osaka had stunned American tennis ace Serena Williams in the final of the 2018 US Open to win her first major Grand Slam of the career. The match, however, was marred with controversy as the American player had lost her cool after chair umpire Ramos handed over three code violations against her for allegedly receiving on-court coaching. (ANI)

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