Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka retired from the ASB Classic final in Auckland on Sunday due to an abdominal injury after winning the first set against Clara Tauson.

Playing in her first WTA final in nearly three years, Osaka won the opening set 6-4 after surviving a late comeback from her Danish opponent.

But the four-time major champion player took an immediate medical time-out after converting her second set point.

Following a consultation with her trainer, a teary-eyed Osaka decided to retire as she shook hands with Tauson, who picked up a third career title and her first since 2021.

Injury Concern Before Australian Open

Osaka’s withdrawal came as a shock after the 27-year-old showed no signs of pain or problem in the 35-minute opening set.

The Japanese player, aiming for her first title since the 2021 Australian Open, played some powerful groundstrokes to break Tauson in the third and fifth games.

“I just want to thank everyone for welcoming me to such a beautiful city. I had a lot of fun playing here and I’m really sorry about how it ended,” said the 57th-ranked Osaka.

“I hope you did enjoy the tennis that we did play and I’m just really grateful to be here.”

The abdominal injury comes as a big blow to Osaka ahead of the Australian Open, which begins on January 12. Osaka is a two-time champion at the Melbourne Park major, winning titles in 2019 and 2021.

Osaka was playing at the WTA 250 event in Auckland after three months out, having suffered a back injury at the China Open which ended her 2024 season.

Her last appearance in a WTA final came at the Miami Open in 2022 when she lost to Iga Swiatek in the title clash.

Osaka returned to competitive tennis exactly a year ago after a 15-month maternity break following the birth of her daughter Shai in July 2023. She struggled for consistency last season but had been playing some of her best tennis in Auckland.

‘Worst Final’

Tauson, the first player from Denmark to win the Auckland title, was unhappy with her performance in the final.

“I felt like today she was picking up an even higher level so I’m super sad about the way it ended,” the 50th-ranked Tauson said. “She’s right to put her health first, always.

“But it’s the worst final I’ve ever played emotionally because I can’t feel happy and I’m just sad about what happened.

“Of course when I process this, I’m going to be super-happy about my week,” she signed off.

Before the Auckland tournament, Osaka hinted at hanging up her racquet if she fell short of her expectations.

“I don’t think I’m the type of player that would hang around,” Osaka told reporters at that time.

“I have a lot of respect for all the players on tour, but at the point of my life that I’m at right now if I’m not above a certain ranking, I don’t see myself playing for a while.

“I’d rather spend time with my daughter if I’m not where I think I should be and where I feel like I can be.”