Former World No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka will return to the ASB Classic in Auckland in 2025.
Osaka returns to the Auckland tournament for the first time since her 2017 appearance where she exited in the quarterfinal stage after picking up an injury.
“I am looking forward to just embracing the nature of Auckland and of course, playing in a tournament that I have not played in for a long time,” Osaka said.
Naomi Osaka is set to return for the Auckland tournament for the first time since 2017 (Source: Supplied)
The 26-year-old made her return to tennis this year after nearly two years which included the birth of her daughter Shai.
“I am excited to return to Auckland for the ASB Classic 2025. When I was there last time, I was fortunate to go on a helicopter tour and explore the beaches which I thought were really beautiful."
“My other memory is that Auckland has the best salmon.”
Osaka has won four Grand Slams in her career - the US Open in 2018 and 2020, alongside two Australian Open triumphs.
The Japanese player's last Grand Slam title came at the Australian Open in 2021 and she is currently ranked No. 76 in the world for women’s singles.
“What brought me back to the WTA Tour was wanting to see what I could do. And also, I want Shai to cheer for me when she grows up, so hopefully I have a very long career ahead.”
She was awarded the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year in 2021, and was selected to light the cauldron at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Osaka joins Kiwi Lulu Sun for the 2025 ASB Classic, the New Zealander announced as a headliner earlier this year.
Americans have dominated the last three editions of the tournament in the women's singles as Serena Williams (2020) and Coco Gauff (2023, 2024) have triumphed in recent times.
At this stage it's still up in the air as to whether Gauff will return to Auckland to try and claim her third title.
Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin expects further top-ranked players to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
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