Osaka has opted for a fresh start to the 2026 season, choosing to open her campaign at the United Cup rather than returning to the WTA 250 event she had initially planned to enter. Her decision means she will not begin the year at the ASB Classic, a tournament she had originally aimed to revisit after making a memorable run there in 2025.

Osaka began her second season back from maternity leave at the 2025 Auckland event, where she produced some of her finest tennis since 2022 to reach the final.

–ChannelAfrica–