"She has some momentum right now" - Martina Navratilova expects a deep Australian Open run from Naomi Osaka, picks Diana Shnaider as a dark horse

As the 2025 Australian Open nears it's kickoff, WTA great Martina Navratilova has picked two-time champion Naomi Osaka to put on a strong showing at the first Grand Slam of the season.

The former World No.1 took some time off to give birth to her first child in 2023. Upon her return, the Japanese superstar has produced mixed results, ranging from early round losses to having a match point against defending champion Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros.

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Osaka's recent Auckland run shows she's close to previous form, says Navratilova

The 27-year old displayed some stellar tennis last week at the ASB Classic in Auckland, where she stormed her way to the final. However, Osaka was forced to retire via injury after winning the first set, giving the trophy to Danish opponent Clara Tauson.

Nonetheless, Osaka's improved play and renewed drive indicate she's ready to make a big splash this season as she resumes her comeback on tour, according to Navratilova.

"I’m hoping for Naomi Osaka, because she’s such a big name," began Navratilova. "She won four Slams with that power game. She’s been back for well over a year, and now it’s harder to come back from the physical and the emotional when you’re still looking for that confidence.
"She won the first set in the Auckland final last week before retiring with an abdominal injury. Before that setback, you could see her all of a sudden remembering how she used to play and blowing through the field. Osaka said she is ready to play despite the injury, but her first-round matchup will not be an easy one. 
"She drew Caroline Garcia -- that’s the matchup I marked when the draw came out. Unbelievably, it’s the same as last year’s first-round matchup. Osaka won that match, but it was close. Osaka’s ranked No.50 and Garcia is No.58. They’re so much better than that. Big hitting all over the place. But assuming she is healthy, Osaka has some momentum right now, and she clearly wants to get back to where she was before taking maternity leave."

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Additionally, Navratilova picked Diana Shnaider as her dark horse of the tournament, based on the Russian's meteoric rise up the rankings over the past 12 months.

"Diana Shnaider, the No.12 seed, could see Zheng in the fourth round," added the former World No.1. "She plays kind of unorthodox, which can bother people. She can be very dangerous. She’s got all the goods, and the left-handedness really helps."

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