Naomi Osaka withdraws from Auckland final with abdominal injury
Naomi Osaka withdrew from the final of the Auckland Classic on Sunday due to an apparent abdominal injury on Sunday.
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Osaka suffers abdominal injury
The 27-year-old had won the first set of the final 6-4 against Denmark’s Clara Tauson when n abdominal injury forced her to quit.
Osaka was in tears as she sat waiting for the tour trainer.
She then left the court to a subdued ovation before returning for the title ceremony.
“I just want to thank everyone for welcoming me to such a beautiful city,” Osaka said.
“I had a lot of fun playing here, and I’m really sorry about how it ended but I hope that you enjoyed the tennis that we did play. I’m just really grateful to be here.”
Osaka had led 5-1 with two breaks of serve when she began to look tighter, with less power in her serve.
How about the Australian Open?
The former world number one had returned to tennis at the start of 2024 after taking a break following the birth of her daughter, Shai.
Osaka’s most recent final appearance was at the Miami Open in 2023 before taking a 15-month maternity break.
Despite the recent setback, Osaka remains optimistic about playing at the Australian Open.
“I’m having an MRI today to assess,” she said in a brief statement.
“I don’t feel that it’s too serious and I still feel very optimistic about AO.”
The Australian Open begins on Sunday.
