ASB Classic 2025 Final: Sad scene as teary Naomi Osaka forced to retire injured, Clara Tauson wins title
WTA
Naomi Osaka has had one of her best weeks during her comeback but just like the last good week on the tour, it has been blighted by a sudden injury which in this case saw her lose the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland to Clara Tauson.
Osaka retired with an apparent abdominal issue. She won the first set 6-4 against Tauson but then was unable to continue and sat in tears as she waited for the trainer to arrive.
"I just want to thank everyone for welcoming me to such a beautiful city and I had a lot of fun playing here," said Osaka afterwards.
"I'm really sorry about how it ended but I hope you enjoyed the tennis that we did play. I'm just grateful to be here."
Trying to win her first title since the 2021 Australian Open and having reached her first final since 2022 after returning to tennis last year, she led Tauson 5-1 in the opening set with a double break and eventually closed it out despite being broken back from there.
But disaster struck after she won the first set as she handed Tauson her first title since the Luxembourg Open in 2021 and her third WTA Tour title overall.
"I have to say I'm really sorry about this final. Naomi was playing some great tennis. I just feel said about what happened," said Tauson in sealing the win.
"When I process this, I'm going to be super happy about my week. I'm happy that I won, but not really."
Very sad scenes in Auckland as Naomi Osaka retires from the final after winning the 1st set vs Clara Tauson. Looks like something at lower back/abdominal
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 5, 2025
Naomi in tears. Hope it’s nothing too serious and just prevention for the AO. But doesn’t look good: pic.twitter.com/uGdWVdAai6
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mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
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