If you can recall, the four-time Grand Slam champion entered the 2025 season with big hopes and expectations. And it started perfectly for the former world No. 1, who made the final of the WTA 500 tournament in Auckland and came just one win away from sealing her first title since the 2021 Australian Open.

Playing against Tauson in the Auckland final, Osaka made the better start and took the first set with a 6-4 scoreline. Then, a heartbreaking scene happened – the Japanese had to call a medical timeout due to an abdominal injury. After consulting with the doctor, the 27-year-old decided to retire the match, handing the Auckland title to the Dane, who was down by a set.

Understandably, Osaka had tears in her eyes and she looked heartbroken and devastated over how the Auckland final ended.

Osaka set to meet Tauson in a big match once again

The 27-year-old Japanese was definitely struck by bad luck in her first meeting against Osaka. But on Wednesday, she will have another crack at the Dane when they clash in the semifinal of the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal.

Going into the match, the former world No. 1 is healthy. And she has an idea about what to expect from her rival.

“Honestly, I remember feeling like she (Tauson) was a little unconventional (with her shots in the Auckland final). I don’t remember why exactly I felt that way, but I think she had a really interesting game. I did watch her play Keys a little bit, but I was, like, warming up and stuff. I’ll be curious to see what happens,” Osaka explained.