LOSS IS HARD TO STOMACH FOR OSAKA

Naomi doubt for Oz after abdominal pain forces her out of Auckland final

- NEIL MCLEMAN

TEARFUL Naomi Osaka is a doubt for the Australian Open after pulling out of the ASB Classic final in Auckland with an abdominal injury.

But Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff confirmed they will be the favourites for the women's title in Melbourne - the tournament starts on Sunday - by claiming titles in Brisbane and Sydney.

Former world No.1 Osaka took the first set 6-4 against Denmark's Clara Tauson as she sought her first tournament win since the 2021 Australian Open.

But the Japanese star was then forced to withdraw after a medical timeout.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka (receiving treatment, below), who had reached her first WTA final since she gave birth to daughter Shai in 2023, said: "Tve enjoyed playing here, I'm sorry it had to end this way."

Former junior No.1 Tauson said: "So that's the worst final I've ever played for me, emotionally. I'm sad about what happened.