Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the ASB Classic in Auckland to play for Japan at the United Cup in Perth (Jan. 2–11). She had initially planned to begin her 2026 season in Auckland after reaching this year’s final but told tournament director Nicolas Lamperin she will instead prepare for the Australian Open in Australia. Osaka will partner with Shintaro Mochizuki, and Japan faces Britain and Greece in group play; the Australian Open starts Jan. 18 at Melbourne Park.
Naomi Osaka Withdraws from Auckland to Represent Japan at United Cup
Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the ASB Classic in Auckland to play for Japan at the United Cup in Perth (Jan. 2–11). She had initially planned to begin her 2026 season in Auckland after reaching this year’s final but told tournament director Nicolas Lamperin she will instead prepare for the Australian Open in Australia. Osaka will partner with Shintaro Mochizuki, and Japan faces Britain and Greece in group play; the Australian Open starts Jan. 18 at Melbourne Park.
01:00 PM, 11/18/2025Culture
Naomi Osaka opts for United Cup as Australian Open tune-up
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the ASB Classic in Auckland and will instead represent Japan at the United Cup in Perth. The four-time Grand Slam champion had previously agreed in September to begin her 2026 season in Auckland, where she reached this year’s final.
Osaka informed Auckland tournament director Nicolas Lamperin that she had changed her plans and will start her Australian Open preparation in Australia. The decision keeps her closer to Melbourne as she readies for the first major of the season.
Team and schedule: The former world No. 1 will team with Shintaro Mochizuki for Japan at the United Cup, which runs Jan. 2–11 in Perth. Japan is drawn to face Britain and Greece in group play. The Australian Open begins Jan. 18 at Melbourne Park.
Osaka’s switch from a standalone warm-up event in Auckland to a national team competition highlights her focus on match play and conditions similar to the Australian swing as she prepares for the Grand Slam.
All dates and details were confirmed by tournament announcements and the United Cup schedule.