Naomi Osaka at the recent US Open PHOTOasb cLASSIC/WTA
Former World No 1 Naomi Osaka will return to the ASB Classic in January, after her runner-up finish in Auckland this year.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam Champion, has risen to No 14 in the world on the back of her best form since her return to the sport last year following the birth of her daughter.
The Japan-born, Los Angeles-based superstar was forced to retire injured in the ASB Classic final in January after winning the first set 6-4, handing the title to Denmark’s Clara Tauson.
Osaka rebuilt through the year, enjoying a WTA 125 win in Saint Malo, France, followed by finishing runner-up in the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal. She continued her outstanding form at the recent US Open, beating Coco Gauff and ultimately reaching the semifinal where she lost narrowly in the deciding set to fourth ranked, Amanda Anisimova.
As a result, Osaka’s ranking has jumped inside the top-15, currently at #14 in the world, which is her highest since 2022.
The two-time US Open and Australian Open champion is buoyed by her recent successes and keen to start her 2026 season on a positive note.
“Having a strong start in Auckland would be important in building the year and heading into the Australian Open,” said Osaka.
“Last year I did pretty well in Auckland and although I had to retire in the final, it definitely gave me a lot of confidence going into Melbourne.
“The biggest lessons I will carry into next year are coming off a really strong US swing and doing well in the US Open, but I think the whole year has been full of really great lessons.”
Osaka, who turned 28 last week, has enjoyed wins this year over Gauff, #13-ranked Elina Svitolina, #15 Karolina Muchova, #24 Jelena Ostapenko and teenage prodigy Victoria Mboko, and is showing no inclination to step back from the game.
“What I love about the sport is the competitiveness. I like knowing I am competing against the very best players in the world.”
She is also keen to link back with ASB Classic men’s champion Gael Monfils, after the pair played together in a mixed doubles feature at the US Open.
“Playing with Monfils was a dream come true for me. I watched him a lot when I was a kid and he is one of the most entertaining tennis players.”
ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin said the organisation is thrilled to attract Osaka back to Auckland.
“Naomi is one of the great players of our time and we are blessed that she has decided to return to our event.
“She has rediscovered some of her best form in recent times, and is clearly focussed on returning to the very top of the game.
“It is an absolute privilege for tennis fans to be able to see her in action at the ASB Classic in Auckland.”
Likewise Osaka is looking forward to returning to Auckland, and not just for the on-court action.
“The thing I enjoyed most about Auckland was probably the scariest thing, and I would want to do it again next year, which was jumping off the Sky Tower.”
AloJapan.com