Naomi Osaka’s bid for her first title in four years came to a disappointing end as the former world number one retired due to injury during the Auckland Classic final against Denmark’s Clara Tauson on Sunday. Despite winning the opening set 6-4, Osaka was unable to continue after an apparent abdominal issue, handing Tauson her third WTA Tour title.
The match ended in anticlimactic fashion, with Tauson expressing mixed emotions about her victory.
“I have to say I’m really sorry about this final. Naomi was playing some great tennis. I just feel sad about what happened today,” Tauson said during the trophy presentation. “Of course, when I process this, I’m going to be super happy about my week. I’m happy that I won, but not really.”
Osaka, who last lifted a Grand Slam trophy at the Australian Open in 2021, has been working her way back into form after a year-long maternity break. While she showed flashes of her best tennis in Auckland, including dominant baseline hitting that secured a double break in the first set, her physical struggles cut her comeback short.
The 27-year-old appeared emotional as she sought medical attention before the second set and ultimately retired from the match, sparking concerns about her fitness for the upcoming Australian Open. Despite the setback, Osaka maintained a positive demeanor at the presentation ceremony, joking about her preparation.
“I just want to thank everyone for welcoming me to such a beautiful city. I had a lot of fun playing here,” she said, avoiding detailed comments about her injury.
Tauson, meanwhile, ended her own title drought in bittersweet fashion, securing her first tournament victory in over a year. The Danish star’s performance throughout the week marked a return to form, though she admitted it was the “worst final” she had ever played.
As Osaka looks ahead to recovery and Tauson celebrates her win, the tennis world turns its attention to Melbourne, where the Australian Open begins later this month.
Key Points:
- Osaka’s Retirement:
- Naomi Osaka retired during the Auckland Classic final due to an abdominal injury. She won the opening set 6-4 but was unable to continue before the second set began.
- Tauson’s Title Victory:
- Clara Tauson claimed her third WTA Tour title, ending her own drought of more than a year.
- Tauson expressed regret over the anticlimactic nature of the final, calling it the “worst final” she had ever played.
- Osaka’s Comeback Journey:
- The former world number one returned to tennis last year after a maternity break but struggled for consistency.
- She last won a title at the 2021 Australian Open and ended the previous season ranked outside the top 50.
- Fitness Concerns:
- Osaka’s injury raises questions about her readiness for the Australian Open, set to begin later this month.
- She appeared emotional on court but did not provide specific details about the issue during the presentation ceremony.
- Highlights of the Final:
- Osaka displayed strong form in the opening set, securing a double break with powerful groundstrokes.
- Tauson acknowledged Osaka’s level of play, praising her performance before the injury.
- Osaka’s Positive Outlook:
- Despite the setback, Osaka maintained a cheerful demeanor during the trophy presentation and thanked the Auckland crowd for their support.
- Focus Shifts to Melbourne:
- Both players will now look ahead to the Australian Open, with Tauson carrying momentum and Osaka facing recovery challenges.
