ASB Traditional event director Nicolas Lamperin admits he’s "upset" over Naomi Osaka altering her thoughts about coming to Auckland in 2026, however insists he’s nonetheless very open to welcoming the four-time Grand Slam champion on the event sooner or later.
In September, the Auckland organizers introduced that they made a splash signing and that 2025 US Open semifinalist Osaka agreed to return to the WTA 250 event in New Zealand firstly of the 2026 season. However then, final week, the United Cup organizers introduced that the previous world No. 1 would begin the following season by representing Japan on the United Cup. Because the ASB Traditional and the United Cup shall be held concurrently, that solely meant one factor – that the Japanese modified her thoughts about the place to begin 2026.
In the beginning of this week, the ASB Traditional organizers introduced Elina Svitolina and Emma Navarro have been added to the 2026 participant area. And when addressing the Svitolina and Navarro information, event director Nicolas Lamperin additionally confirmed that Osaka received't be coming to New Zealand in early 2026.
Lamperin: Osaka's determination is disappointing however we hope to welcome her again within the close to future
“We’re completely thrilled that each Elina and Emma indicated that they wish to compete in Auckland. I used to be pleasantly shocked when each spoke to me about taking part in, and their look will vastly strengthen the highest of the order. On the similar time, we’re upset with Naomi Osaka’s determination however hope to welcome her again within the close to future," event director Nicolas Lamperin mentioned.
After shedding within the Auckland quarterfinal in 2017, Osaka returned to the ASB Traditional firstly of the 2025 season. The Japanese tennis star ended up making the Auckland last in her first look on the event in eight years. Sadly for the previous world No. 1, her run led to a brutal method after she was pressured to retire the ultimate from a arrange as a consequence of an stomach harm.
