Source: Radio New Zealand
Naomi Osaka at the US Open tennis tournament on 28 August. AFP / Timothy A Clary
Former world women’s tennis number one Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from this summer’s ASB Classic in Auckland.
Osaka cited a change of schedule for her withdrawal.
The Japanese player reached the final of the 2025 tournament, but was forced to retire, handing the title to Denmark’s Clara Tauson.
“We are disappointed with Naomi Osaka’s decision but hope to welcome her back in the near-future,” tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said.
Osaka’s departure has been offset by the tournament signing Elina Svitolina and Emma Navarro who head back to ASB Classic.
World number 14 Elina Svitolina from Ukraine and number 15 Emma Navarro from USA are the highest ranked players to contest the 2026 tournament which starts on 5 January.
Thirty-two-year-old Svitolina last played in Auckland in 2024, when she lost to Coco Gauff in the final.
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.
Navarro was the most improved female player on the Tour last year, beginning with the semi-finals in Auckland. She rose 30 spots to finish 2024 at number 8.
The 24-year-old American enjoyed a win in Hobart, along with the semi-finals 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.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
