ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin admits he is "disappointed" over Naomi Osaka changing her mind about coming to Auckland in 2026, but insists he is still very open to welcoming the four-time Grand Slam champion at the tournament in the future.
In September, the Auckland organizers announced that they made a splash signing and that 2025 US Open semifinalist Osaka agreed to come to the WTA 250 tournament in New Zealand at the start of the 2026 season. But then, last week, the United Cup organizers announced that the former world No. 1 would start the next season by representing Japan at the United Cup. Since the ASB Classic and the United Cup will be held simultaneously, that only meant one thing - that the Japanese changed her mind about where to start 2026.
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At the start of this week, the ASB Classic organizersannounced Elina Svitolina and Emma Navarro have been added to the 2026 player field. And when addressing the Svitolina and Navarro news, tournament director Nicolas Lamperin also confirmed that Osaka won't be coming to New Zealand in early 2026.
Lamperin: Osaka's decision is disappointing but we hope to welcome her back in the near future
We are absolutely thrilled that both Elina and Emma indicated that they want to compete in Auckland. I was pleasantly surprised when both spoke to me about playing, and their appearance will greatly strengthen the top of the order. At the same time, we are disappointed with Naomi Osakas decision but hope to welcome her back in the near future," tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said.
After losing in the Auckland quarterfinal in 2017, Osaka returned to the ASB Classic at the start of the 2025 season. The Japanese tennis star ended up making the Auckland final in her first appearance at the tournament in eight years. Sadly for the former world No. 1, her run ended in a brutal way after she was forced to retire the final from a set up due to an abdominal injury.
