Naomi Osaka pens uplifting message after Auckland heartbreak and tear-eyed retirement

Naomi Osaka was full of optimism despite the disappointing end to her impressive campaign at the 2024 ASB Classic in Auckland. Osaka reached the final at the WTA 250 event and even won the first set 6-4 against her opponent in the final, Clara Tauson. However, the Japanese experienced an injury concern and decided to retire, leading to Tauson clinching the title courtesy a walkover.

On Sunday, November 5, hours after the conclusion of the ASB Classic final, Osaka took to her Instagram and shared a series of photos and videos summing up the highlights from the time she spent in Auckland. The former World No. 1 captioned the post:

"Auckland it’s been lovely"

The last picture of the post featured a note Naomi Osaka penned, where she expressed her positive feelings regarding 2025 despite her ASB Classic campaign ending in tears.

"I've come to the conclusion that's what's meant for me is meant for me and maybe certain situations occur to train my mind for what's to come. Maybe there's bigger and better things on my path and I just have to continue the journey to encounter them. That being said this is about to be a great year," Osaka wrote.

Source: Instagram/Naomi Osaka

Following her walkover loss to Tauson, Osaka came clean on her feelings about her run to the ASB Classic final.

"I had a lot of fun playing here, I'm really sorry" - Naomi Osaka offered apology to fans who attended ASB Classic 2024 final

Clara Tauson (L) and Naomi Osaka (R) after the 2025 ASB Classic final in Auckland (Source: Getty)

Naomi Osaka expressed her gratitude towards the fans who showed up for her ASB Classic final clash against Clara Tauson. The Japanese also apologized to them for her mid-match retirement.

"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 hope you enjoyed the tennis that we did play, I’m just really grateful to be here," Osaka said.

The Japanese is yet to reveal the extent of the abdominal injury she suffered during the 2025 ASB Classic final against Tauson. If it is a serious one, her participation at the 2025 Australian Open, the year's first Grand Slam, is likely to be jeopardized.

On the bright side, Osaka's run to the ASB Classic final has helped her break back into the top 50 in the WTA Tour singles rankings.