Naomi Osaka could be dealing with a significant injury, just weeks before the 2025 Australian Open.
The former world number one and four-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the final of the WTA Auckland Open, the final tune-up before the Australian Open, due to an apparent medical issue on Sunday. She led Denmark’s Clara Tauson 6-4 before her exit left Tauson the tournament champion.
Before her withdrawal, Osaka was receiving attention from athletic trainers for her abdomen, which was apparently the problem. By Ben Rothenberg, veteran tennis journalist and Osaka biographershe had tears in her eyes as she called for a coach.
The problem is a significant obstacle for Osaka, who was playing in her first final since the 2022 Miami Open. She returned to tennis in 2024 after a one-year hiatus following the birth of her first child, but reached the quarters final of a single tournament and has not progressed beyond the second round of any Grand Slam.
Her 2024 ended after she withdrew from the China Open due to a back injury while tied in sets with Coco Gauff.
It is unclear whether this issue will affect Gauff’s availability for the Australian Open. The singles draw in Melbourne is scheduled for next Thursday, with the first round starting three days later on Sunday.
