"I was being told she wanted to play the United Cup": ASB Classic won't host Osaka return with former World No.1 going down different route

ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin has revealed that the former world number one Naomi Osaka will not take part in the competition in 2024.

The tournament will be held just before the first Grand Slam of the year — the Australian Open — where the players will take part to prepare for the mega-event.

Lamperin was quoted in a recent report where he stated that Osaka would not take part in the competition.

“It was part of my initial thoughts,” Lamperin said. “But I was being told she [Osaka] wanted to play the United Cup, on the basis that she would get a minimum of two matches."

The 25-year-old is famous for being vocal about mental health and took some breaks because of the same reasons as well.

However, Osaka’s latest break started in September last year because of pregnancy.

The Osaka-born has an impressive record while playing at the highest level as she has won four Grand Slam titles in her career.

Her first title triumph came in 2018 where she defeated America’s legendary tennis star Serena Williams in the final of the US Open in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-4.

Her most recent victory in a major tournament came in 2021 where she defeated America’s Jennifer Brady in the final of the Australian Open in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-3.