'Budget Isn't Limitless': Tournament Director Sheds Light On Osaka's Absence From ASB Classic

| by Evita Mueller

Naomi Osaka seemingly won't play at the ASB Classic in Auckland next year, as tournament director Nicolas Lamperin hinted.

Naomi Osaka should be back on the WTA Tour in 2024, and it's a very exciting time for her fans. A lot of things are happening in the background, much of it unknown to fans, but it seems like things are getting serious. She's been away from tennis due to her pregnancy for a while, but even before that, Osaka mostly didn't play that often.

Australia being the place of return isn't a huge surprise because she's had a lot of success Down Under, making it a pretty comfortable place for easing back into the sport. Since becoming a mother, Osaka has been training hard towards a return and looks very motivated to make the most out of it. She won't be in Auckland, though, which tournament director Nicolas Lamperin confirmed in a recent talk with Stuff.

It was part of my initial thoughts. But I was being told she wanted to play the United Cup (in Australia), on the basis that she would get a minimum of two matches.

Lamperin on Osaka
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Interestingly, Lamperin kind of confirmed that Osaka will play a preparation event before the Australian Open. It was pretty evident that it would happen, but all information from her camp pointed towards a return at the Grand Slam itself without an additional tournament.

When it comes to the 2024 ASB Classic in Auckland, Lamperin revealed that after attempting to convince Osaka, the organizers have decided to secure Coco Gauff and Caroline Wozniacki, who are the two players already confirmed for the tournament.

It was early in the process and we had to move on and get Coco and Caroline. The budget isn’t limitless, so we decided not to go after her in the end.

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