Former world No.1 Naomi Osaka has expressed confidence ahead of the Australian Open 2026 despite battling illness during the United Cup in Perth. The four-time Grand Slam champion struggled physically in Japan’s opening tie, where she lost in straight sets to Maria Sakkari after appearing low on energy and coughing throughout the match.
Osaka later revealed that she had fallen sick over the Christmas period, possibly contracting the illness from her two-year-old daughter. She admitted that the health setback affected her performance but stressed that the issue was not serious and that she is steadily recovering.
Despite the disappointing start to the season, Osaka remains optimistic about her preparations for the Australian Open, which begins on January 18 in Melbourne. She said she is focusing on improving her fitness day by day and expects the remaining symptoms, including fatigue and cough, to subside well before the tournament.
The Japanese star also highlighted that she chose to compete despite not being at full strength, valuing match practice over pulling out. Osaka said her offseason training had gone well, which gives her confidence heading into the year’s first Grand Slam.
A former Australian Open champion, Osaka is known for peaking at major tournaments. With recovery underway and time still on her side, she believes she will be ready to compete at her best when the Melbourne major begins.
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