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 Clare Tauson, but was unable to continue and sat in tears as she waited for the coach to arrive, although she was in better spirits at the presentation.
“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.
Osaka will be hoping to be ready for the Australian Open from January 12
“I'm really sorry it's over, 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, January 12, with the draw taking place next Thursday.
Osaka impresses before 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 champion – Osaka has won twice in Melbourne and twice at the US Open – led Towson 5-1 in the opening set with a double break and eventually closed it out despite being broken once.
Denmark's Clara Tauson poses with the trophy after winning her third WTA Tour title
Osaka's retirement gave Towson her third WTA Tour title and first since the 2021 Luxembourg Open.
Towson said: “I have to say I'm really sorry about this final. Naomi played great tennis. I feel like I said what happened.
“Once I process this, I'll be super happy about my week. I'm happy that I won, but not really.”