AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Naomi Osaka‘s Australian Open marketing campaign has taken on a component of doubt after the four-time Grand Slam champion and former No. 1 suffered an obvious harm Sunday whereas enjoying the ultimate of a WTA match in Auckland.
Osaka had received the primary set of the ultimate 6-4 towards Denmark’s Clara Tauson when she spoke to her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, the chair umpire and a tour coach earlier than deciding to withdraw.
The nature of her harm wasn’t instantly clear however gave the impression to be belly, not the again harm she suffered on the China Open in October that ended her 2024 season.
Osaka was in tears as she sat ready for the coach. She then left the court docket to a subdued ovation by spectators earlier than returning for the prize-giving.
“I’ve loved enjoying right here and I’m sorry it needed to finish this fashion,” Osaka stated.
Osaka led 5-1 with two breaks of serve when she started to look tighter, with much less energy in her serve. She managed to take out the primary set earlier than indicating she could not proceed.
Osaka returned to tennis in the beginning of 2024 after a prolonged break following the start of her daughter Shai.
It was her first match closing since her return to tennis and had she received, it will have been her first title because the 2021 Australian Open.
