Naomi Osaka to start 2025 season in New Zealand

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka will begin her 2025 season in January at the ASB Tennis Classic in Auckland.

The four-time Grand Slam singles champion returned to tennis this year after an 18-month break during which she gave birth to a daughter, Shai. She is ranked 76th in singles and lost in the second round of the US Open on August 29.

Osaka last played in Auckland in 2017, reaching the quarterfinals. She split with her coach last week after her loss at the US Open.

“Naomi is one of the best tennis players with an exciting and hard game,” tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said Tuesday. “It is always a challenge to return to this sport after a long absence, but Naomi has shown very promising form.

“She has a tremendously powerful game and plays an exciting brand of tennis. Many believe that Naomi will return to the top of the sport and that journey will begin here in Auckland for the 2025 season.”

The ASB Classic takes place from December 30th to January 5th.