WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Naomi Osaka withdrew from the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand in January to instead play for Japan in the United Cup.
The four-time major winner agreed in September to start her 2026 season in Auckland, where she reached the final earlier this year.
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She contacted Auckland tournament director Nicolas Lamperin to tell him she had changed her mind and would instead begin her preparation for the Australian Open in Australia.
Osaka, a former world number one, will partner Shintaro Mochizuki in Team Japan for the United Cup from January 2-11 in Perth. Japan is set to face Great Britain and Greece in a group.
The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tennis event of the year, begins on January 18 at Melbourne Park.
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AP Tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
