Auckland
Tauson takes NZ title as Osaka retires
Clara Tauson claimed her first WTA title in four years on Sunday as former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka was forced to quit their final in Auckland to hand.the Dane a 4-6 victory.
Osksa could not go on due to an abdominal injury. After winning the opening set, Japan’s four-time Grand Slam winner took a medical timeout with the trainer called to the court.
After discussions, Osaka threw in the towel.
“It’s not the way you want to win any match, and especially not the final,” Tauson said. “I felt like I had some more tennis to show today.”
It was the first final for Osaka, who took a break for motherhood, since 2022: Tauson won her second career trophy in 2021 and followed in the footsteps of compatriot Caroline Wozniacki, New Zealand titleholder in 2015 and 2018.
The winner is hoping her success carriers her into Sunday’s start at the Australian Open.
“Hopefully I can back up with some great results there. It’s definitely a nice start to the season with the title, it’s my first one since 2021, so it’s been a while for me.”