Former world number one Naomi Osaka has expressed concerns over her health following a straight-sets loss to Maria Sakkari at the United Cup. Just over two weeks before the Australian Open, Osaka was seen coughing during her 6-4, 6-2 defeat to world number 52 Sakkari in Perth on Friday night.
Osaka’s performance was notably subdued, lacking the energy that has characterized her play in the past. The four-time Grand Slam champion revealed that she believes she contracted a viral illness from her daughter over the Christmas holidays. “I have been dealing with some health stuff, so I’m kind of just happy to be out here right now,” Osaka stated. “It’s not serious, but I’m not operating at the [performance level] that I want to be operating at.”
Health Struggles and Performance Impact
Osaka’s health issues come at a critical time as she prepares for the Australian Open, a tournament where she has previously found success. The illness has affected her preparation, despite a promising off-season. “I had a really good off-season, so I thought I was going to do really well here,” she explained. “But then I got really sick, so I think I’m at the tail end of that, but still not amazing.”
During the match against Sakkari, Osaka struggled with her serve, committing three double faults and experiencing issues with her ball toss. She attributed these difficulties to nerves rather than her illness. “I definitely wouldn’t blame that on being sick, I was just really nervous, so my hand was shaking a little bit,” she admitted.
Sakkari’s Performance and Broader Tournament Context
Maria Sakkari, who has been ranked as high as number three in the world, capitalized on Osaka’s struggles to secure her victory. Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas, now ranked 36th after a challenging 2025 season due to a back injury, sealed the tie for Greece over Japan with a 6-3, 6-4 win against Shintaro Mochizuki.
The United Cup has seen a series of competitive matches, with Argentina defeating Spain 3-0 earlier on Friday. Singles victories from Sebastian Baez and Solana Sierra were pivotal, with Sierra overcoming Jéssica Bouzas Maneiro in a three-set battle.
Looking Ahead to the Australian Open
Osaka’s current health concerns raise questions about her readiness for the upcoming Australian Open. The tournament, which she has won twice, is a significant event in the tennis calendar, and her participation is eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
Despite her recent setback, Osaka remained gracious, staying on the court after her match to sign autographs and take selfies with spectators. This gesture highlights her commitment to her fans and her determination to overcome current challenges.
The tennis world will be watching closely as Osaka continues to recover and prepare for the Australian Open. Her ability to regain full fitness will be crucial if she is to mount a successful campaign in Melbourne.
As the tournament approaches, the spotlight will remain on Osaka, not only for her on-court performance but also for how she manages her health and preparation in the coming weeks.
