What happens when you win, but it doesn’t feel like a victory? Clara Tauson faced that exact dilemma after claiming the ASB Classic title in Auckland. Her opponent, Naomi Osaka, was forced to retire due to injury after winning the opening set. What should have been a moment of joy for Tauson turned into an emotional whirlwind, with the 22-year-old expressing deep sadness about the way the final ended.

Tauson secured her third career Hologic WTA Tour title and her first since 2021, but the circumstances left her struggling to celebrate. Reflecting on her bittersweet victory during the presentation ceremony, she said, “First of all I have to say I’m really sorry about this final. Naomi was playing some great tennis today. That’s the worst final I’ve ever played emotionally. I can’t feel happy. I’m just sad about what happened today. I’m happy about the week I had. I’m happy that I won… but not really.”

Osaka began the Auckland Classic final with remarkable intensity, quickly establishing a 5-1 lead over Clara Tauson. Her aggressive play and powerful groundstrokes secured two consecutive service breaks, putting her in a commanding position. Tauson attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap, but Osaka maintained her composure to clinch the first set 6-4.

However, immediately after winning the set, Osaka requested a medical timeout. Seated courtside, she appeared emotional, with tears in her eyes, as she consulted with the medical team. The nature of her discomfort wasn’t immediately clear, but it was later identified as an abdominal issue. Despite receiving treatment, Osaka determined she could not continue and retired from the match, resulting in Tauson being declared the champion.

This unexpected turn of events was particularly disheartening for Osaka, who was aiming for her first title in four years. Despite this setback, Naomi Osaka remained cheerful in the presentation ceremony.

Naomi Osaka is all smiles despite her heartbreaking withdrawal at the Auckland Open

This was Naomi Osaka’s first final appearance since the 2022 Miami Open, where she lost to Iga Swiatek. It also marked her first chance at a title since the 2021 Australian Open. Returning to the WTA 250 event in Auckland after calling her 2024 season quits due to a back injury she suffered during the China Open. She kicked off her season at the Auckland Open where she had played last in 2017 as a teenager. Now, ranked World No.56 Osaka showed glimpses of her top form throughout the week, making her withdrawal all the more heartbreaking.

Yet, the four-time Grand Slam champion remained in good spirits during the presentation ceremony. She even managed to crack a joke, when asked about her ritual of having breakfast before every match. She said, “Now that you mention it, I didn’t eat breakfast today so maybe that’s why I should stick to my superstitions.”

She also thanked the crowd for their support, adding, “I want to thank everyone for welcoming me to such a beautiful city. I had a lot of fun playing here. I’m really sorry about how it ended. I’m just really grateful to be here.”

The  Japanese tennis star’s abdominal injury now raises questions about her readiness for the Australian Open, which begins in just a week. Will Naomi Osaka be fully fit in time for the Australian Open? Or will this injury delay her comeback once again?