Naomi Osaka's Wimbledon preparations have suffered a setback when she retired during the final at Bad Homburg in Germany because of a foot injury.
Former French Open finalist Karrolina Muchová was leading 6-1 1-0 on Saturday in the first grass court final for both players when Osaka could not play on after 46 minutes and Czech Republic's Muchova claimed third career title.
Osaka took a medical time-out after the third game to have treatment on her right foot. But the former world No.1 lasted only five more games, possibly also not wanting to take any risks two days before the start of Wimbledon.
"I apologise for not being able to finish," Osaka said, adding: "Congratulations Karolina, you are one of the coolest girls on the tour. Congratulations for an incredible tournament."
A four-time grand slam champion, the 28-year-old Osaka has never been beyond the third round at Wimbledon, which begins on Monday.
Seeded No. 4, she is scheduled to play Elsa Jacquemot in the first round.
The start of the Bad Homburg final was brought forward by two-and-a-half hours to 11am due to the heatwave engulfing many parts of Germany.
Australian Associated Press
