Naomi Osaka Withdraws from Auckland Final Due to Injury, Skips Australian Open Preparations
In her first WTA final in nearly three years, previously top-ranked Naomi Osaka faced off against Clara Tauson in Auckland. Despite showing no signs of issue during the initial set, Osaka retired due to an unexpected abdominal injury following her 6-4 victory in the opening set.
In this highly anticipated match, Osaka displayed impressive groundstrokes to secure breaks in the third and fifth games, ultimately taking home the set. Following her second set point conversion, however, Osaka immediately sought medical attention.
After consulting with her trainer and becoming visibly emotional, Osaka made the decision to call it quits, shaking hands with Tauson upon her arrival on court. With Osaka stepping away from the game, Tauson celebrated her third career title and first in over a year.
Australia Open Concerns
The abrupt withdrawal left spectators surprised and concerned about Osaka's upcoming appearances, specifically the Australian Open, set to commence on January 12. As a two-time champion in Melbourne, Osaka holds a significant presence at this major tournament.
Inflicted by an abdominal injury, Osaka's return to competitive tennis following a three-month hiatus was disrupted. During her time away, she had undergone treatment for a back injury sustained during the China Open, prematurely ending her 2024 season.
Osaka's last appearance in a WTA final took place at the Miami Open in 2022, where she was defeated by Iga Swiatek in the title match. Returning to the court exactly a year ago from her 15-month maternity leave, Osaka had been dedicated to improving her game, ultimately finding success in Auckland.
Frustrating Final for Tauson
Finishing strong in the tournament, Tauson, the first Danish player to claim the title, had hoped for a different outcome. Contending with Osaka's elevated performance throughout the match, she felt defeated by the unfortunate turn of events.
"She elevated her game to an even higher level today. I'm disappointed about how it ended," Tauson shared her feelings on the situation. Recognizing that Osaka prioritized her health over the outcome, Tauson acknowledged, "She's right to always put her health first. It may have been the worst final I've ever played emotionally, but I'm grateful for the week I had."
Anticipating the Auckland tournament, Osaka hinted that her career might come to an end if she failed to meet her expectations. Expressing her intentions, she noted, "I don't envision myself being the type of player who sticks around if I'm not meeting a certain ranking. If I'm not where I think I should be or where I believe I can be, I'd rather invest my time in enjoying life with my daughter instead."
- Due to her abdominal injury, Naomi Osaka had to retire from the Auckland final against Clara Tauson after securing a 6-4 victory in the opening set, raising concerns about her participation in the upcoming Australian Open.
- Despite the walkover, Naomi Osaka's retirement from the Auckland final marked her return to WTA finals after a nearly three-year hiatus, following her victory at the Miami Open in 2022.
- Naomi Osaka's last appearance in a WTA final before Auckland was tumultuous, having been defeated by Iga Swiatek during their title match at the 2022 Miami Open.
- Osaka's retirement in Auckland was a consequence of her ongoing physical issues, as she had taken a three-month hiatus to recover from a back injury she sustained during the China Open, cutting her 2024 season short.
- Despite the disappointment of a walkover, winning the Auckland Open was a turning point in Clara Tauson's career, as she became the first Danish player to secure the title and the first in more than a year.
