Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka was forced to retire from the ASB Classic final in Auckland due to an abdominal injury, cutting short a promising return to form just days before the Australian Open.
The 27-year-old four-time Grand Slam champion, playing her first WTA final in nearly three years, secured the opening set 6-4 against Denmark’s Clara Tauson before taking a medical timeout.
Despite showing no visible signs of discomfort during the set, Osaka decided to withdraw after a consultation with her trainer, handing Tauson her third career title.
A Disrupted Comeback
Osaka’s retirement marked a bittersweet moment in her return to competitive tennis after a 15-month maternity hiatus following the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July 2023.
The Auckland tournament was a promising chapter in her comeback story, as she demonstrated flashes of her dominant groundstrokes and mental resilience.
“I just want to thank everyone for welcoming me to such a beautiful city,” said an emotional Osaka after her withdrawal. “I hope you enjoyed the tennis that we did play, and I’m really grateful to be here.”
Her injury, however, casts doubt on her readiness for the Australian Open, where she has previously triumphed in 2019 and 2021.
Osaka’s Form and Challenges
The Auckland final was a pivotal moment for Osaka, who has struggled with consistency since returning to the tour.
Her powerful baseline game helped her break Tauson twice in the first set, and she appeared poised to claim her first title since the 2021 Australian Open.
Osaka had been sidelined by a back injury in October, cutting her 2024 season short. Her performance in Auckland suggested a return to her best form, but the abdominal injury raises concerns about her ability to compete at the highest level in Melbourne.
Clara Tauson Claims Title Amid Emotional Final
While the injury handed Clara Tauson her first WTA title since 2021, the Danish player expressed mixed emotions.
“It’s the worst final I’ve ever played emotionally because I can’t feel happy,” said Tauson. “She’s right to put her health first, always. But when I process this, I’ll be super happy about my week.”
A Turning Point for Osaka?
Osaka’s comments before the Auckland tournament hinted at potential retirement if she could not meet her own expectations.
“I don’t think I’m the type of player that would hang around,” she stated. “If I’m not above a certain ranking, I’d rather spend time with my daughter.”
As the Australian Open looms, Osaka’s future remains uncertain. Her commitment to family and self-imposed standards of excellence could redefine the trajectory of her career.
