Naomi Osaka has provided an update on her fitness after a difficult end to the 2025 season.
Osaka made great strides up the rankings this year, climbing from outside the top 60 to end the season as the world number 16.
Despite making this progress, Osaka suffered an abrupt end to her season after she was unable to play her quarterfinal match at the Japan Open due to a knee injury.
As Osaka looks to challenge for the Australian Open title in 2026, she has now given an update on her situation as the new tennis season approaches.
Naomi Osaka provides update on her fitness ahead of the Australian Open
Since ending her 2025 season in October, Osaka has parted ways with her fitness coach and she has also played exhibition events in Atlanta and at Madison Square Garden.
Osaka has now arrived in Perth ahead of the Australian Open swing, where she was asked how she is feeling about her upcoming tournaments.
“It’s probably one of my favorite parts of the year, for us to be starting here it’s going to be really, really fun and I haven’t been to Perth in a little minute so it’s good to be back,” Osaka told media at the airport.
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Following her struggles at the back-end of the 2025 season, Osaka was subsequently questioned about how she is feeling physically ahead of next year.
Osaka responded by providing a positive update, and explained that she feels like she is getting stronger every year.
“I hope so,” said Osaka when asked if she is ready for the United Cup. “I guess I’ll let you know after my first few matches, but I think so. I feel like every year I’m slowly getting stronger, so I hope next year I’m better too.”
Naomi Osaka explains what she is hoping to gain from the United Cup
Osaka will make her debut at the United Cup in 2026, representing Japan in the mixed team competition for the first time.
When asked about how she is feeling ahead of the event, Osaka explained that she is treating it similarly to the Billie Jean King Cup.
“Yeah, I mean it definitely is [special],” said Osaka. “Obviously, I’ve never played the United Cup before, but I think I’m going to try and treat it like the Billie Jean King Cup.”
Osaka was then asked about what she wanted to gain from the United Cup ahead of the Australian Open.
“Honestly, to get a couple of matches in against really good players,” responded Osaka. “I feel like for me, when I watch the United Cup I see such good matches and I’ve always wanted to participate, so I’m glad I’m here.”
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Osaka will play former world number three Maria Sakkari in her first match of the 2026 season in Perth, before taking on 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu.
She will lead Japan’s team alongside ATP player Shintaro Mochizuki, with their first tie taking place on January 2.
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