Osaka withdraws injured from Auckland final-shock in front of Australian Open!

Osaka withdraws injured from Auckland final-shock in front of Australian Open!

A shock for tennis fans worldwide! Naomi Osaka, the radiant four-time Grand Slam champion, withdraws from Auckland Classic shortly before the Australian Open-because of a belly injury! A bitter setback for the Japanese woman who has just returned to the big stage.

in a dramatic finale that she started 6: 4 against Danish Clara Tauson after winning the first set, Osaka suddenly had to give up. After a promising start, in which she had broken her opponent in the third and fifth games with powerful blows, she called the physiotherapist. What happened? An unexpected medical timeout that had the entire mood tipped!

an unexpected setback

The 27-year-old, who wanted to shine in her first WTA final participation for three years, stood on the side of the side and stretched during the interruption. But after consulting your trainer it was clear: it doesn't go on! With a warm handshake, she said goodbye to Tauson, who was able to look forward to her third career title - and the first time in 2021.

Osaka, who did not reveal any Details about her injury in a short round of interviews on the pitch, only explained: "I would like to thank everyone that they received me so warmly in this beautiful city. I was a lot of fun playing here, and I'm sorry how it ended." Her words were full of regret and gratitude while asked the fans for understanding.

the way back to the top

It was a disappointing ending for Osaka, who was looking for her first title after the winning of the Australian Open 2021 after four years. Her last final participation dates to the Miami Open the following year, followed by a 15-month break in which she gave birth to her first child. But the return to the tennis court a year ago brought her back to 57th place in the world rankings.

with fresh vigor and a "deep love" for tennis, Osaka had traveled in Auckland, full of confidence in a strong performance at the first Grand Slam of the year, which begins on January 12 in Melbourne. But now it remains to be seen how your injury will affect your participation in this prestigious tournament. The fans hope for a quick recovery and a comeback of the tennis icon!

-transmitted by West-Ost-Medien