Clara Tauson might have gained the Auckland title however the 22-year-old wasn’t actually in celebratory mode after Naomi Osaka was pressured to retire in a fully heartbreaking method.
With an opportunity to serve out for the primary set, the Japanese tennis star closed out the set within the tenth recreation to win it with a 6-4 scoreline.
However as quickly as she began strolling towards her bench, the look on her face indicated that one thing simply wasn’t proper.
Then, Osaka known as a medical timeout and acquired therapy within the stomach area.
Sadly, that was it as the previous world No. 1 retired the ultimate with tears in her eyes.
Tauson after Osaka’s retirement: I am unable to really feel comfortable, I am unhappy
“To start with I’ve to say I’m actually sorry about this remaining. Naomi was enjoying some nice tennis in the present day. That’s the worst remaining I’ve ever performed emotionally,” the Dane mentioned.
“I can’t really feel comfortable. I’m simply unhappy about what occurred in the present day. Im comfortable concerning the week I had. I’m comfortable that I gained… however not likely.”
Clara Tauson after successful Auckland title after Naomi Osaka retires from the match:
“How are the feelings now realizing you’re a winner? It was a remaining and generally sport performs out like that… replicate on the week and inform us the way it’s been with you..”
Clara: “To start with I’ve… pic.twitter.com/5yPMKn3kJB
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 5, 2025
Earlier than the retirement, the four-time Grand Slam champion made an excellent begin to the match and opened a dominant 5-1 lead – Tauson responded by successful the following three video games – however the Japanese nonetheless managed to seal the opener.
For the Danish tennis star, this was her third WTA title. Beforehand, she gained Lyon and Luxembourg in 2021.
On the opposite aspect, Osaka was aiming for her first title as a mom and likewise her first principal glory since successful the 2021 Australian Open.
Tauson continues to be in the primary draw of this week’s WTA 250 event in Hobart and she’s going to play Anhelina Kalinina within the first spherical except she withdraws from the occasion.
On the subject of Osaka, hopefully this setback will not impression her Australian Open look.