ASB Classic 2025 Preview: Madison Keys, Emma Raducanu, and Naomi Osaka seek form in season opener

The first WTA 250 of the season promises a high-level draw featuring multiple Grand Slam champions and prominent names on the Tour looking to gain momentum at the start of the year. The tournament will take place from December 29 to January 5 and is headlined by Madison Keys, Emma Raducanu, and Naomi Osaka.

The top seed, based on ranking, is Keys (No. 21), despite her modest year-end performance (4-4 record post-Wimbledon). She is joined by Elise Mertens (No. 34), Amanda Anisimova (No. 36), and Lulu Sun (No. 40).

Defending champion Coco Gauff will not compete in Auckland this year, opting instead to make her debut at the United Cup. This creates an open field with no clear favourite, where the lack of match practice after a month-long off-season could lead to surprises.

Read also

Tournament Centre United Cup 2025: Schedule, Results, Standings, Prize Money and TV Guide

Open field awaits

Without top-20 players or the defending champion, the ASB Classic has still managed to assemble a highly competitive draw. A notable inclusion is Emma Raducanu (No. 56), seeded 6th, who will face Robin Montgomery (No. 117) in the opening round. Last year, the Brit reached the round of 16, and the tournament will serve as a key opportunity to showcase her form.

Another standout name is 4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka (No. 57). Following her 2024 comeback from maternity leave, the Japanese star aims high in 2025 with an improved ranking that allows her direct entry into tournaments without requiring wildcards. Recently hiring Patrick Mouratoglou—former coach of Serena Williams and Simona Halep—Osaka has sent a clear message about her ambition to return to the WTA Tour’s elite.

Read also

Preview Women's Brisbane International 2025: Aryna Sabalenka, Emma Navarro, Paula Badosa and Mirra Andreeva open new season

Several other notable players are also part of the draw. Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin (No. 81) and former US Open champion Sloane Stephens (No. 74) will compete. Stephens is no stranger to success in Auckland, having won the title in 2016 by defeating Julia Görges in the final.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe