Four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka has opened up about a lingering illness that hampered her performance during a straight-sets defeat at the United Cup in Perth. The world No.16 fell to Greece's Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-2 at RAC Arena on Friday night, a match where Osaka appeared to lack her usual energy and was heard coughing at times.
Osaka Reveals Post-Christmas Health Battle
Following the match, Osaka revealed she has been dealing with health issues since the festive season, likely caught from her young daughter around Christmas Eve. The 28-year-old admitted she was not operating at 100 per cent during the contest, which impacted her start to the 2025 season.
"I have been dealing with some health stuff, so I’m kind of just happy to be out here right now," Osaka said. "It’s not serious, but I’m not operating at the per cent that I want to be operating at, which kind of sucks."
She described suffering from a cough, runny nose, and "all that nasty stuff," but expressed hope of being fully recovered before the Australian Open. Osaka emphasised she had a strong off-season and was disappointed the illness struck at this time.
Match Details: Sakkari Seizes Control
The match itself saw a nervy start from Osaka, who struggled with her serve early, including three double faults. Although she broke back immediately after losing her opening service game, the first set was a tough battle. Sakkari, ranked 52nd in the world, eventually claimed it in 57 minutes after Osaka hit an overhead shot long on set point.
The second set was more one-sided, lasting just 37 minutes. Sakkari raced to a 5-1 lead and, despite a late hiccup, closed out the match to secure a vital win. This victory was particularly sweet for Sakkari after a difficult year that saw her ranking fall.
"Naomi is one of the best players in the world, regardless of her ranking," a thrilled Sakkari said post-match. "She’s one of the most dangerous players and a player that everyone respects. So you always have to try to play the best you can."
Greece Secures Tie, Tsitsipas Returns with Win
The victory for Sakkari set the stage for Stefanos Tsitsipas to seal the overall tie for Greece against Japan. Tsitsipas, now ranked 36th after a 2025 campaign disrupted by a back injury, defeated world No.99 Shintaro Mochizuki 6-3, 6-4.
Despite her loss and ongoing health concerns, Osaka's sportsmanship shone through as she spent considerable time after the match signing autographs and taking selfies with fans at RAC Arena.
In other United Cup action on Friday, Argentina dominated Spain with a 3-0 clean sweep. Sebastian Baez defeated Jaume Munar 6-4, 6-4, before Solana Sierra secured the tie with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-0 victory over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
