The four-time Grand Slam champion admits she is still recovering as the new season begins.
Naomi Osaka’s 2026 campaign started with a difficult setback at the United Cup, where the Japanese star was beaten in straight sets by Maria Sakkari, 6–4, 6–2, in her first match of the year. Observers noted that Osaka appeared below her usual physical standards, an assessment later echoed by former British player Laura Robson.
Speaking after the match, Osaka explained that lingering health issues had limited her performance despite a productive off-season. While she remains optimistic, the timing of the illness has complicated her preparations ahead of the upcoming Australian Open.
Osaka explains ongoing health struggles
During her post-match press conference, Osaka disclosed that she became unwell during the winter break and has not yet fully recovered. She described symptoms including coughing, congestion and fatigue, adding that the illness had persisted longer than expected and likely began before Christmas Eve.
Although she believes she is nearing the end of the illness, Osaka admitted she is still not operating at full capacity. The former world No.1 said she was determined to improve daily and expressed hope that her condition would clear before the Australian Open begins later this month.
Focus shifts toward United Cup and Australian Open
Osaka is scheduled to return to court at the United Cup on Sunday, January 4, when Japan face Great Britain. If fit, she is expected to meet British No.1 Emma Raducanu in a rematch of their 2025 Washington Open encounter, which Raducanu won in straight sets.
Beyond the immediate team competition, Osaka has her sights firmly set on Melbourne, where she owns an outstanding career record. The two-time Australian Open champion has won 79% of her matches at the tournament, lifting the trophy in 2019 and 2021. The 2026 Australian Open begins on Sunday, January 18, and Osaka will be hoping her recovery allows her to challenge once again for one of the sport’s biggest titles.
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