AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The excitement surrounding Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open journey has been clouded by uncertainty after the talented four-time Grand Slam champion faced an unsettling setback during the final of a WTA tournament in Auckland this past Sunday.
Osaka started off strong, clinching the first set 6-4 against Denmark’s Clara Tauson. However, after a discussion with her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, the chair umpire, and a tour trainer, she made the tough decision to withdraw from the match.
While the specifics of her injury remain unclear, it appeared to be abdominal-related rather than a recurrence of the back injury that sidelined her after the China Open last October, ultimately truncating her 2024 season.
Emotional tears ran down her cheeks as she awaited medical attention, and she received a muted but supportive ovation from the audience as she exited the court. She later returned for the awards presentation.
“Playing here has been a joy, and it’s disappointing for it to end this way,” Osaka expressed with a heavy heart.
Leading with a commanding 5-1 advantage and two break points, Osaka’s intensity waned as she struggled to maintain her powerful serve. Despite wrapping up the first set, she ultimately acknowledged her inability to proceed.
Making her return to tennis in early 2024 after a significant hiatus following the birth of her daughter, Shai, the Auckland final marked her first match back. A victory would have celebrated her first title since the 2021 Australian Open.
