In a recent episode of his podcast, former eight-time Grand Slam champion Jimmy Connors criticized Naomi Osaka for her physical preparedness at the start of the 2025 tennis season. Connors’ remarks came after Osaka’s promising run at the Auckland tournament, where she won her first four matches before retiring in the final due to an abdominal injury. The 27-year-old athlete was eager to claim her first title as a mother, making her early exit particularly disappointing.
During the final against Clara Tauson, Osaka requested a trainer after winning the first set. Following an examination of her abdomen, she ultimately decided to withdraw from the match. Connors expressed his bewilderment at Osaka’s injury, emphasizing that it was the first tournament of the year, a time when players are typically just beginning to find their rhythm. “It’s hard for me to understand how you get hurt right at the beginning,” Connors remarked, highlighting the importance of being mentally and physically prepared for the season ahead.
Osaka addressed her condition in a press conference prior to the Australian Open, revealing that the results of her MRI were “not fantastic” but not the worst-case scenario either. She remains optimistic about her readiness to compete against Caroline Garcia in Melbourne, indicating her determination to bounce back from this setback.
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