AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — A shadow of uncertainty hangs over Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open ambitions after a worrying injury scare during the WTA tournament final in Auckland on Sunday.
The four-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one initially took control of the final against Denmark’s Clara Tauson, winning the first set 6-4. However, as concerns grew, Osaka engaged in discussions with her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, the chair umpire and a tour physiotherapist before ultimately deciding to withdraw from the match.
Although the precise nature of her injury remains unclear, early indications point to an abdominal problem rather than a recurrence of the back injury that sidelined her from the China Open in October, bringing her 2024 season to an abrupt end.
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Naomi Osaka’s disappointment in Auckland: Injuries tarnish her title hopes
A visibly emotional Osaka was seen in tears as she waited for the physiotherapist to arrive. As she left the court, the audience offered a subdued round of applause, in stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere she hoped to experience at the awards ceremony.
“I really enjoyed my time here, and it’s disheartening that it ended this way,” Osaka said, reflecting on her premature departure.
At one point, she had a comfortable 5-1 lead with two breaks of serve, before losing energy as the match progressed, showing reduced power in her serves. Despite winning the first set, she reported her inability to continue shortly after.
Marking her return to the sport in early 2024 after a long break due to the birth of her daughter Shai, the Auckland final represented Osaka’s first competitive outing since her return. A victory would have secured his first title since his triumph at the 2021 Australian Open.
