Naomi Osaka feels like Lady Gaga at Super Bowl 51 Halftime Show after risky adventure in Auckland

With the 2025 WTA season just a few days away, Naomi Osaka is currently in Auckland preparing for the ASB Classic. The Japanese star and her team recently ventured out of the ordinary, embarking on a risky adventure inspired by Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl 51 halftime show performance.

The ASB Classic is scheduled to begin on December 30, 2024, and will run through January 5, 2025. Osaka debuted at the ASB Classic in 2017 but has not participated in the event since then.

On Saturday, the former World No. 1, who has been actively sharing moments from her time in Auckland with her team on Instagram, posted more photos. She and her team were seen trying out skyjumping from the Hackett Auckland Sky Tower.

Following a series of images from their experience, she shared a photo of Lady Gaga on her Instagram story. The image was from Super Bowl 51, held on February 5, 2017, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. During the performance, the multi-award-winning singer used a specialized harness and rigging system to soar through the air while singing.

Naomi Osaka's Instagram story

A brief look at Naomi Osaka's performance the last time she participated at the ASB Classic

Naomi Osaka at the 2017 ASB Classic - Source: Getty

With Naomi Osaka set to kick off her 2025 season on Monday (December 30) at the ASB Classic, here’s a brief look at her previous appearance at the tournament in 2017:

The then-20-year-old began her campaign by defeating Germany’s Annika Beck in the first round. In the second round, she progressed through a walkover as 2015 champion Venus Williams withdrew from the tournament due to an arm injury. However, her run came to an end in the quarterfinals against Croatia’s Ana Konjuh when she was unable to continue the match.

For the 2025 edition, Naomi Osaka, currently ranked No. 58 on the WTA rankings, is seeded No. 7 in the main draw. She will be competing for the title alongside players like Madison Keys, Elise Mertens, Amanda Anisimova, and home favorite Lulu Sun, among others.

Ahead of the tournament, Osaka shared with the press how excited she is to return and recounted her helicopter tour experience back in 2017, saying:

"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."

"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." Osaka added.

Osaka’s appearance at the ASB Classic also marks one year since her return to the WTA Tour following the birth of her daughter, Shai, which prompted a 15-month hiatus.