By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday January 4, 2025
Clara Tauson claimed the Auckland title after Naomi Osaka was forced to retire with an abdominal injury after winning the first set.
Photo Source: TTV
Naomi Osaka’s bid for a first title since her return from maternity leave was cut short by an abdominal injury on Sunday in Auckland. The four-time Grand Slam champion won the first set from Denmark’s Clara Tauson, but was forced to retire with the injury immediately thereafter.
She took a medical timeout, and plug after consulting with the trainer.
Osaka, intent on keeping her health for the Australian Open, which begins in one week, will have to be content with reaching her first final in 20 months and reeling off four victories at the ASB Classic.
Tauson claims her third career title and first since her breakout season in 2021. She pushed Osaka in the opening set, reeling her in from 5-1 to 5-4, but could not complete the comeback in the opener.
Nevertheless she’ll head to Australia with momentum – and in good health. Tauson, who saved a match point in her second-round victory over Sofia Kenin, succeeded through double-duty yesterday, capping off her quarterfinal upset of top-seeded Madison Keys before defeating Robin Montgomery.
She will rise to No.41 in the WTA rankings as a result of her title; Osaka is slated to return to the Top 50 at No.49.