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 taking part in the ultimate of a WTA match in Auckland.
Osaka had gained the primary set of the ultimate 6-4 in opposition to 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 character of her harm wasn’t instantly clear however appeared 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 courtroom to a subdued ovation by spectators earlier than returning for the prize-giving.
“I’ve loved taking part in right here and I am sorry it needed to finish this manner,” Osaka mentioned.
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 at the beginning of 2024 after a prolonged break following the beginning of her daughter Shai.
It was her first match last since her return to tennis and had she gained, it will have been her first title because the 2021 Australian Open.