Clara Tauson might have received the Auckland title however the 22-year-old wasn’t actually in celebratory mode after Naomi Osaka was compelled to retire in a fully heartbreaking means.
With an opportunity to serve out for the primary set, the Japanese tennis star closed out the set within the tenth sport to win it with a 6-4 scoreline.
However as quickly as she began strolling towards her bench, the look on her face indicated that one thing simply wasn’t proper.
Then, Osaka known as a medical timeout and obtained remedy within the belly area.
Sadly, that was it as the previous world No. 1 retired the ultimate with tears in her eyes.
Naomi Osaka© X screenshot
Tauson after Osaka’s retirement: I can not really feel joyful, I am unhappy
“First of all I have to say I’m really sorry about this final. Naomi was playing some great tennis today. That’s the worst final I’ve ever played emotionally,” the Dane said.
“I can’t feel happy. I’m just sad about what happened today. Im happy about the week I had. I’m happy that I won… but not really.”
Clara Tauson after winning Auckland title after Naomi Osaka retires from the match:
“How are the emotions now knowing you’re a winner? It was a final and sometimes sport plays out like that… reflect on the week and tell us how it’s been with you..”
Clara: “To begin with I’ve… pic.twitter.com/5yPMKn3kJB
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 5, 2025
Before the retirement, the four-time Grand Slam champion made an outstanding start to the match and opened a dominant 5-1 lead – Tauson responded by winning the next three games – but the Japanese still managed to seal the opener.
For the Danish tennis star, this was her third WTA title. Previously, she won Lyon and Luxembourg in 2021.
On the other side, Osaka was aiming for her first title as a mother and also her first main glory since winning the 2021 Australian Open.
Tauson is still in the main draw of this week’s WTA 250 tournament in Hobart and she will play Anhelina Kalinina in the first round unless she withdraws from the event.
When it comes to Osaka, hopefully this setback won’t impact her Australian Open appearance.
