Naomi Osaka pulls out of ASB Classic final in Auckland due to injury fears ahead of Australian Open | Tennis news

Naomi Osaka has suffered an injury scare ahead of the Australian Open later this month after pulling out of the ASB Classic final in Auckland with an apparent stomach problem.

Osaka won the first set 6-4 against Clara Tauson, but then she was unable to continue and sat in tears as she waited for the coach to arrive, although she looked more cheerful at the introduction.

I just want to thank everyone for welcoming me to such a beautiful city and it was a lot of fun playing here, Osaka said, without going into detail about her problem.

“I’m really sorry about how it ended, but I hope you enjoyed the tennis we played. I’m just grateful to be here.”

The first Grand Slam of the year begins in Melbourne on Sunday 12 January, with the draw taking place the following Thursday.

Osaka impresses ahead of retirement in Auckland

Osaka was looking to win her first title since the 2021 Australian Open and reach her first final since 2022 after returning to tennis last year following the birth of daughter Shai.

The four-time Grand Slam winner – Osaka has won twice in Melbourne and twice at the US Open – led Tauson 5-1 in the first set with a double break and eventually closed it out despite being broken once.

Osaka’s retirement gave Tauson her third WTA Tour title and first since the 2021 Luxembourg Open.

Tauson said: “I have to say I’m really sorry about this final. Naomi played some great tennis. I just feel told because of what happened.

“Once I process this, I’ll be super happy about my week. I’m happy to win, but not really.”