AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Former world number one Naomi Osaka will begin her 2025 season at the ASB Tennis Classic in Auckland in January.
The four-time Grand Slam singles champion returned to tennis this year after an 18-month hiatus following the birth of her daughter Shai. She was ranked 76th in singles and lost in the second round of the US Open on August 29.
Osaka last competed in Auckland in 2017, reaching the quarterfinals. She parted ways with her coach after her loss at the US Open last week.
“Naomi is one of the best players in tennis, with an exciting and intense game,” tournament director Nicholas Lamperin said Tuesday. “It’s always difficult to return to the sport after a long absence, but Naomi has shown great promise.
“She has an incredibly strong game and plays exciting tennis. Many believe Naomi will return to the top of the sport and her journey will begin in Auckland in the 2025 season.”
The ASB Classic runs from December 30th to January 5th.
