“It’s not something that would normally happen which is why we were very disappointed when we heard the news,” said Lamperin. “We had a commitment, she had been announced so it obviously came as a surprise to us.”
Lamperin declined to discuss the specifics of the contract and whether there was an exit or release clause inserted. He also was unable to confirm if the tournament was entitled to any financial compensation,
“I can’t get into the specifics of the agreement with the players,” said Lamperin. “They’re private contracts and they’re bound by confidentiality clauses, so I can’t really say much.”
In terms of why Osaka decided to eschew Auckland – which felt like ideal preparation for the Australian Open, with its low key, relaxed atmosphere, consistent crowds and moderate field – Lamperin is unsure.
“I don’t have all the details, but I’m suspecting that her new coach had different ideas in terms of the schedule that he wants her to play,” said Lamperin. “And then obviously there was the United Cup and the opportunity to represent her country.”
Osaka will play with compatriot Shintaro Mochizuki in the mixed teams event, where Japan face Great Britain and Greece in group play in Perth. Despite being disappointed, Lamperin said he appreciated the advance warning from Osaka’s camp.
“Normally when you have players pulling out, they tend to do it at the last minute once entry deadline is passed and then you have no way whatsoever to replace them.
“So the fact that you get an advance notice gives you the option to replace the player which does make a big difference.”
Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates winning her 2025 ASB CLassic semi finall match.
With that time, Lamperin managed a minor miracle, signing up world No 14 and 2024 ASB Classic finalist Elina Svitolina and No 15 Emma Navarro, who reached the semifinals here last year.
“It’s based on the relationship that I have,” said Lamperin. “And also it came to my attention that those two players were not signed and were not committed for the first week of January. As soon as I heard the news I got on the phone and managed to secure them straight away, in record time, which is a bit of a blessing.”
Svitolina (31) has been as high as No 3, with 18 career singles titles to her name and has reached the last four at a Grand Slam on three separate occasions. Navarro (24) cracked the top 10 last year, when she also reached the US Open semifinals.
“It is great to have these two,” said Lamperin. “It has worked out pretty well.”
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.
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