This year’s ASB Classic runner-up Naomi Osaka will not return to the tournament in 2026.
Due to a change of schedule, the Japanese world No 16 has withdrawn from the tournament in January in Auckland, where she began her rise back up the rankings earlier this year.
While Osaka’s absencewill be disappointing for fans, the tournament has secured two other top 15-ranked athletes for the women’s draw.
Ukrainian world No 14 Elina Svitolina and American world No 15 Emma Navarro will take to centre court at Stanley Street as the two highest-ranked players in the women’s draw.
“We are absolutely thrilled that both Elina and Emma indicated that they want to compete in Auckland,” ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said.
“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 Osaka’s decision but hope to welcome her back in the near future.”
Elina Svitolina was runner-up to Coco Gauff in Auckland in 2024. Photo / Photosport
The Japanese star came into the Auckland event this year ranked at No 57 in the world and stormed into the final, before being forced to withdraw due to injury.
The former world No 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion’s form continued throughout the year to see her ranked back inside the top 20 for the first time since 2022.
Svitolina, 32, last played in Auckland in 2024, when she finished runner-up after a blockbuster three-set final against US ace Coco Gauff.
Emma Navarro was beaten by Coco Gauff in the semifinals at Auckland, in 2024. Photo / Photosport
Navarro, 24, also last played in Auckland in 2024, when she was beaten by compatriot Gauff in the semifinals. It was the start of a breakthrough year for Navarro, who went on to win the Hobart tournament the following week, before making the quarter-finals at Wimbledon and the semifinals at the US Open to end the year ranked inside the top 10.
“Emma is another high-quality player who has supported our tournament in the past and we are very grateful that she will return again,” Lamperin said.
“Like several young players previously, Emma has worked exceedingly hard to rise near the top of the world rankings. She has an excellent all-round game and is noted for her exceptional work ethic.
“We always take delight in the progress of players who have supported us at the ASB Classic and then risen to the top in women’s tennis, as Emma achieved in 2024.”
