Naomi Osaka withdraws from WTA 250 event to play in mixed tournament

    Naomi Osaka has opted for a fresh start to the 2026 season, choosing to open her campaign at the United Cup rather than returning to the WTA 250 event she had initially planned to enter.

    Naomi Osaka Aug 2025 alamy Naomi Osaka Aug 2025 alamy

    Her decision means she will not begin the year at the ASB Classic, a tournament she had originally aimed to revisit after making a memorable run there in 2025.

    Osaka began her second season back from maternity leave at the 2025 Auckland event, where she produced some of her finest tennis since 2022 to reach the final.

    However, her promising week ended in disappointment when she was forced to retire from the championship match due to injury, handing Denmark's Clara Tauson her first WTA title. Tauson used that breakthrough as a springboard for a strong season.

    Osaka's return in 2026 would have been a significant boost for the ASB Classic, particularly as WTA 250 tournaments often struggle to attract marquee players under the tour's strict entry regulations.

    Instead, she will shift her focus to the United Cup, a mixed team competition featuring women's singles, men's singles, and mixed doubles.

    The event, which represents countries rather than individuals, will take place from 2-11 January across Sydney and Perth.

    The 2026 edition starts later than in previous years, offering players additional time at home before embarking on the new season.