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AO Arrival Day: Naomi Osaka, Mackenzie McDonald and More Arrive in Melbourne

By Witherspoon
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Updated: December 28, 2021

Defending champion Naomi Osaka arrives on a chartered flight ahead of the 2022 tennis season leading into the 2022 Australian Open, at Melbourne Airport on December 28, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

The wheels have hit the runway and soon the stars will be hitting the courts.

Reigning Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka was among the first international stars to arrive in Melbourne aboard a private flight chartered by Tennis Australia.

Naomi Osaka arrives on a chartered flight ahead of the 2022 tennis season leading into the 2022 Australian Open, at Melbourne Airport on December 28, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Two-time AO champion Osaka sported longer locks and a red sweat shirt with the Mona Lisa on front.

Osaka took some time to video the arrival of fellow players on the private flight.

Naomi Osaka films as she arrives on a chartered flight ahead of the 2022 tennis season leading into the 2022 Australian Open, at Melbourne Airport on December 28, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

American standout Mackenzie McDonald looked energized after the long flight waving to photographers.

Mackenzie McDonald arrives on a chartered flight ahead of the 2022 tennis season leading into the 2022 Australian Open, at Melbourne Airport on December 28, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

The 26-year-old McDonald reached the round of 16 at the 2021 Australian Open last February falling to eventual finalist Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.