Naomi Osaka recently took on a new role as a 'crime investigator' at the ASB Classic. She reported a live "murder" in her first foray into journalism.
Osaka is currently in New Zealand preparing to start her 2025 season at the WTA 250 hard court tournament in Auckland before heading to compete at the Australian Open, a Grand Slam title which she has previously won twice - in 2019 and 2021.
On Friday, December 27, the former World No.1 took to social media and shared that she wants to become an "investigative journalist," despite lacking formal credentials. She also revealed that she has plans to conduct interviews in Melbourne while there for the Australian Open
In light of this, Naomi Osaka recently shared a humorous video on social media, playfully reporting the "murder" of a shoelace that burned off during an intense training session.
“My name is Naomi Osaka and we are reporting live from the scene of the crime. This is eyewitness news for, we have a murder on the court. The death of a shoe well the death of shoe lace. We call this, ‘Working too hard.’ It was burned off. RIP,” Osaka said.
“Breaking news 😅 ,” Osaka captioned her Instagram post.
Osaka wrapped up her 2024 season at the China Open, where she reached the fourth round before facing eventual champion Coco Gauff and retiring due to a lower back injury. She achieved her best results of the year at the Qatar Open and the Libema, reaching the quarterfinals in both tournaments.
Naomi Osaka will play at ASB Classic 2025 ahead of the Australian Open
Naomi Osaka will play at the 2025 ASB Classic before beginning her campaign at the Australian Open. The WTA 250 hard court tournament in Auckland will take place from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, at the ASB Tennis Centre in Auckland, New Zealand.
The former World No.1 is seeded seventh at the 2025 ASB Classic and will begin her campaign against a qualifier. Speaking about playing in the tournament, Osaka said:
“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.” [via ASB Classic].
This will be Osaka's second appearance at the tournament with her first participation being in 2017, where she made it to the quarterfinals before retiring from her match against Ana Konjuh.
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