World No 15 Emma Navarro will return to the ASB Classic in 2026 PHOTO: TIM MARSHALL
Two of the world’s top ranked WTA tennis stars have confirmed their return to Auckland for the ASB Classic.
World No 14 Elina Svitolina from Ukraine and No 14 Emma Navarro from USA are the highest ranked players to contest the 2026 ASB Classic starting on 5 January.
However 2025 finalist Naomi Osaka will now not return as she has signed up to the moneyed United Cup to be held in Australia to the tournament in 2026.
The recent approach by both outstanding internationals keen to return to Auckland, tempers the advice this week from Naomi Osaka, who has decided to withdraw, citing a change of schedule.
“We are absolutely thrilled that both Elina and Emma indicated that they want to compete in Auckland,” said ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin.
“I was pleasantly surprised when both spoke to me about playing, and their appearance will greatly strengthen the top of the order. At the same time, we are disappointed with Naomi Osaka’s decision but hope to welcome her back in the near-future.”
Svitolina, 32, last played in Auckland in 2024, when she finished runner-up after a block-buster three-set final with Coco Gauff.
Elena Svitolina is returning to the ASB Classic PHOTO: TIM MARSHALL
The Ukraine player has 18 Tour victories to her credit, highlighted by a remarkable 2018 season when she claimed three titles and the WTA Finals, finishing the year ranked No 4.
Svitolina made a successful return to the game in mid-2023 following the birth of daughter Skai with husband Gael Monfils, who has already confirmed his appearance in Auckland to begin his final year on the Tour.
This year Svitolina won her 18th Tour title in Rouen, having reached the semifinals in Madrid and the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, Paris, Indian Wells and the Australian Open.
Navarro was the most improved female player on the Tour last year, beginning with the semifinals in Auckland, which was the first flicker of a remarkable year that saw the Olympian rise 30 spots to No.8 at year’s end.
The 24-year-old American enjoyed a win in Hobart, along with the semifinals in nine tournaments including the US Open, Monterrey, Toronto, Bad Homburg, and San Diego. She also made the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and Indian Wells to complete a meteoric 2024 season.
In doing so the University of Virginia graduate became the first NCAA Women’s Singles Champion to reach the US Open semifinals in a breakthrough year, where she broke into the top-10 for the first time.
There’s no secret to Navarro’s rise on the world scene.
“The key to my rise has been a lot of hard work – consistency, dedication and always putting hours on-court and off-court – working really hard,” said Navarro.
“I have been most proud of my abilities to, so far, exceed my expectations in tennis – and also never giving up when things get hard. Keep working hard and know that even in tough times, things are going to work out.”
The American had no reservations of returning to Auckland.
“Auckland is awesome. I love it there. The fans are super-supportive and show a lot of love for us players which makes it enjoyable. Auckland is a really cool city. It’s beautiful, has good food, so there’s lots to like about Auckland.”
Both players have enjoyed Olympic experience, with Navarro representing USA at Paris 2024, where Svitolina earned the honour of flag-bearer for Ukraine in her third Olympic Games. She won the bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics in 2021, having first competed at Rio in 2016 .
“Emma is another high quality player who has supported our tournament in the past, and we are very grateful that she will return again,” said Lamperin.
“Like several young players previously, Emma has worked exceedingly hard to rise near the top of the world rankings. She has an excellent all-round game and is noted for her exceptional work ethic.
“We always take delight in the progress of players who have supported us at the ASB Classic and then risen to the top in women’s tennis as Emma achieved in 2024.”
The 2026 ASB Classic takes place at the Manuka Doctor Arena in Auckland from January 5 to 17.
AloJapan.com