Naomi Osaka in Auckland: Japanese completes sightseeing "side quest"ahead of ASB Classic 2025

Naomi Osaka has been seeing the sights after she arrived in Auckland for the 2025 ASB Classic. This week, Osaka shared a picture of herself visiting the iconic Auckland Sky Tower, as she looked to be enjoying a tour before her return to the WTA 250 tournament after an eight-year hiatus.

On December 27, 2024, Osaka shared a stunning picture of the Auckland Sky Tower, expressing her excitement. Standing at 328 meters, the Auckland Sky Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Osaka wrote in the caption:

"Doing all the side quests out here."

Naomi Osaka's Instagram story/@naomiosaka

The Auckland landmark is also famous for its adventure activities, such as the SkyWalk and SkyJump, where visitors can walk or jump around the edge of the tower while attached to a harness.

In another Instagram post, Osaka showcased a series of photos featuring herself posing on Auckland's streets with the Sky Tower in the background. Her outfit included a black graphic Nike t-shirt layered under a white jacket, a ruffled black mini-skirt, a vibrant floral handbag, chunky white sneakers with oversized ribbon bows, and a pink-and-white baseball cap. Osaka wrote:

"Auckland 🩷 🩰 🌸 🇳🇿 "

Naomi Osaka’s return to the ASB Classic is particularly special, marking her first appearance since her debut in 2017. During that tournament, she advanced to the quarterfinals, securing victories over Annika Beck and tennis legend Venus Williams, the latter with a walkover. Unfortunately, her campaign ended abruptly due to a wrist injury, cutting her match against Ana Konjuh short.

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Naomi Osaka looking forward to her return at the 2025 ASB Classic

Naomi Osaka during the 2024 China Open (Image source: Getty)

Naomi Osaka shared her enthusiasm about competing in New Zealand, expressing her eagerness to return to the courts at the ASB Classic in Auckland.

Osaka said [via ASB Classic],

"I am looking forward to just embracing the nature of Auckland and of course, playing in a tournament that I have not played in for a long time. I am excited to return to Auckland for the ASB Classic 2025."

Osaka also reflected on her previous visit, fondly recalling her experiences of taking helicopter rides and exploring the city’s picturesque beaches during her previous appearance at the tournament.

"When I was there last time, I was fortunate to go on a helicopter tour and explore the beaches which I thought were really beautiful. My other memory is that Auckland has the best salmon."

Naomi Osaka is seeded seventh at the WTA 250 tournament and will take on a qualifier in the first round. The winner of that match will take on either Julia Grabher or a qualifier for a spot in the quarterfinals.