Tag: Naomi Osaka

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Naomi Osaka withdraws from Auckland WTA event to play for Japan at the United Cup

Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand in January to instead play for Japan in the United Cup.

The four-time major winner had agreed in September to start her 2026 season in Auckland, where she reached the final earlier this year.

She contacted Auckland tournament director Nicolas Lamperin to say she had changed her mind and would instead begin her preparation for the Australian Open in Australia.

Former No. 1-ranked Osaka will combine with Shintaro Mochizuki in the Japan team for the Jan 2-11 United Cup in Perth. Japan is drawn to play Britain and Greece in group play.

The Australian Open, the first tennis Grand Slam event of the year, starts Jan 18 at Melbourne Park. (JapanToday)

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Venus Williams to return to Auckland Classic at the age of 45

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will play in January’s Auckland Classic at the age of 45, tournament organisers announced Wednesday.

Williams has been awarded a wild card for the Australian Open warm-up event from January 5-11 after only returning to the circuit in August at the U.S. Open after a 16-month break.

“She is one of the great players in the modern era and her performances on the court speak for themselves,” said tournament director Nicolas Lamperin, who added that she was in “remarkable shape and form”.

“Off the court she has made an equally significant contribution to the game and to the development of female players worldwide,” he said. “Venus has had a profound influence on the evolution of women’s tennis and has inspired the next generation with her unshakeable passion for the sport.”

Williams, who won the Auckland Classic in 2015 when she beat Caroline Wozniacki in the final, has lifted five Wimbledon singles titles, two U.S. Opens and an Olympic gold, in Sydney in 2000.

Lamperin said it was a “privilege” to have Williams back at the tournament.

“All sports fans should take this opportunity to watch one of the sport’s all-time greats in action.”

Japan’s four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka was also announced as a confirmed entry for the tournament.

The Australian Open begins in Melbourne on January 18. (JapanToday)

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Naomi Osaka, coach Mouratoglou part ways

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka said Monday that she has split with coach Patrick Mouratoglou after less than a year.

“Merci Patrick… it was such a great experience learning from you,” the former world number one said on X.

The Japanese star teamed up with the Frenchman, the long-time coach of 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, in September last year.

Osaka did not play in 2023 after the birth of her daughter and has struggled for consistency after returning to the professional circuit a year ago and is currently ranked 49.

She exited this year’s French Open in the first round and Wimbledon in the third round. (Punch)