Naomi Osaka had a setback just one week before the Australian Open began when she pulled out of Sunday’s Auckland Classic final due to an abdominal issue.
Playing against Clara Tauson of Denmark in her first WTA final in three years, the four-time Grand Slam champion dropped out shortly after winning the first set 6-4 and called for the physio.
It was unexpected that Osaka withdrew after playing flawlessly in the first set, which lasted 35 minutes, and using strong groundstrokes to break her opponent in the third and fifth games.
The 27-year-old arose during a medical break at the changeover and stretched multiple times.
She shook hands with Tauson, who won her first title since 2021 and her third career crown, after speaking with the trainer.
In a brief courtside interview, Osaka withheld information about the circumstances that led to her withdrawal.
Credit: Tennis Majors
But the WTA claimed in a statement that she retired “due to an abdominal injury.”
“I would want to express my gratitude to everyone for welcoming me to this stunning city. Osaka added, “I hope you enjoyed the tennis that we played and I’m just really grateful to be here.” “I had a lot of fun playing here and I’m sorry about how it ended.”
The week’s conclusion was unimpressive for Osaka, who was vying for her first championship since taking home the 2021 Australian Open.
Before taking a 15-month hiatus and giving birth to her first child in the middle of 2023, she made her most recent last appearance at the Miami Open the following year.
Twelve months after she started playing tennis again, she is currently ranked 57th in the world.
