Osaka, who is injured, is “very optimistic” about the Australian Open

The former world number one stated on Monday that she is hopeful of competing at the Australian Open despite having to withdraw from the Auckland Classic final due to an injury that will be scanned.

Leading Clara Tauson 6-4 in her first WTA final in nearly three years, Osaka, the 2019 and 2021 champion at Melbourne Park, was moved to tears when she was forced to retire due to an abdominal ailment on Sunday.

As said in a brief statement, “I’m having an MRI today to assess,” the 27-year-old said.

“I don’t feel that it’s too serious and I still feel very optimistic about AO.”

During her run to the final in Auckland, Osaka, who rejoined the tour a year ago after a protracted maternity leave, displayed glimmers of the form that earned her four major championships.

On Monday, she returned to the top 50 global rankings.

On Sunday, the Australian Open gets underway.