Overview
- Veteran coach Rick Macci predicted Naomi Osaka will produce multiple upsets in 2026 and finish the year inside the WTA top 10.
- Osaka starts her 2026 campaign at the United Cup in Perth representing Japan, with round‑robin matches scheduled against Maria Sakkari and Emma Raducanu.
- She closed 2025 ranked No. 16 after a Montreal WTA 1000 final and a US Open semifinal following a mid‑year switch from Patrick Mouratoglou to Wiktorowski.
- Osaka said she feels progressively stronger but cautioned she will know more after her first few matches.
- Injury interruptions in 2025, including abdominal issues and a left‑thigh withdrawal in Japan, remain a consideration as ranking points are available at the United Cup.