Tauson claims the Auckland title following Osaka's retirement due to injury.

Tauson claims the Auckland title following Osaka's retirement due to injury.

Naomi Osaka's pursuit of her first title in four years concluded in disappointment as the former world number one was forced to retire due to injury after securing the opening set of the Auckland Classic final against Denmark's Clara Tauson. 

Osaka, who last claimed one of her four Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park in 2021, made her return to competitive tennis a year ago following an extended maternity leave. However, she faced challenges in maintaining consistency and finished the season ranked outside the top 50. In Auckland, she showcased her formidable talent, achieving a double break against Tauson with her powerful strokes in the first set, which she ultimately won 6-4, despite a late service break.

However, the 27-year-old from Japan was visibly emotional as she received treatment on the court before the commencement of the next set, ultimately deciding to withdraw. This raised concerns regarding her fitness ahead of the upcoming Australian Open, scheduled to take place from January 12 to January 26, where Osaka has previously secured two titles.

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