Naomi Osaka’s start to the 2025 tennis season has taken a distressing turn. The four-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 was forced to withdraw mid-match during the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland on Sunday, raising concerns about her fitness ahead of the Australian Open.
Osaka had been in commanding form throughout the Auckland tournament, notching wins against Lina Glushko, Julia Grabher, Hailey Baptiste, and Alycia Parks to secure her spot in the final. Facing fifth seed Clara Tauson of Denmark, the Japanese appeared poised to claim her first title since her triumphant run at the 2021 Australian Open.