Naomi Osaka has confirmed she'll return for another shot at an ASB Classic title - but the likelihood of her seeing defending champion Clara Tauson in Auckland next year is up in the air.
Osaka confirmed she'll be back at Stanley St in January after an impressive 2025, which has seen her climb back to World No.14 in the WTA ranks and turn heads with some big wins over the likes of Coco Gauff at the US Open.
Her resurgence was hinted at this year at the Classic, where she made a dominant run to the final and was up a set before being forced to retire injured against Tauson.
The sour final note is one of the reasons for her return.
"Having a strong start in Auckland will be really important for building the year and heading into the Australian Open," Osaka said this morning.
"I think [this season] I did pretty well - of course I had to retire in the finals, but I think it definitely gave me a lot of confidence going into Melbourne."
Tournament director Nico Lamperin told 1News discussions with Osaka and her team have been going for six months, ramping up as she continued to find form on the circuit.
"We came up with a really strong proposal because we wanted her to understand that she was critical for us for next year," Lamperin said.
"I think she had a great time in Auckland and she understands that it's the perfect preparation for her ahead of the Australian Open - to get as many matches as possible, to win the title which would be her first title since she came back from pregnancy and be ready to be a title contender for the Australian Open."
Osaka is the third confirmed female for next year's draw following the previous announcements of Kiwi Lulu Sun and promising 17-year-old American Iva Jovic.
While more names are to come, Lamperin warned the chances of Tauson defending her title are uncertain.
"We've had some discussions which are currently on hold for Clara because she has a chance to represent Denmark at the United Cup with Holger Rune. That would be a very solid team," he explained.
"I can't say more about Clara at this point but if it's not Clara there's some more names."
In the men's draw, defending champion and fan favourite Gael Monfils has been confirmed, but no others - so far.
"I can tell you right now that we will have a top 10 player on the main draw and probably one or two between 11 and 20," he said.
"Those will be announced in the next few weeks."
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