Naomi Osaka has decided to withdraw from the Australian Open just before her third-round match. As the 16th seed, she was set to face Maddison Inglis on Rod Laver Arena, but due to Osaka’s withdrawal, Inglis will now progress to the next round.
In an Instagram post, Osaka explained that she had to make the tough choice to withdraw in order to address a physical issue that arose after her previous match. Despite her excitement to continue playing, she acknowledged the importance of prioritizing her health to avoid further harm and return to the court safely.
Expressing gratitude for the support she has received, Osaka thanked her fans and team for their unwavering backing and appreciated the tournament organizers for their kindness. She shared with the media that the injury she is currently dealing with is not unfamiliar to her and that she must undergo additional tests to assess the situation, especially considering the changes her body has undergone post-pregnancy.
Osaka’s journey in the Australian Open included a challenging match against Sorana Cirstea, where she emerged victorious in three sets, as well as a tough battle against Antonia Ruzic in the first round. This marks the second consecutive tournament from which Osaka has withdrawn individually, following her withdrawal from the Japan Open last year due to a left thigh injury.
At the start of the year, Osaka represented Japan at the United Cup in Perth, facing Maria Sakkari of Greece and Britain’s Katie Swan. Despite facing health issues during the matches, Osaka remained positive and aimed to improve with each day on the court.
Looking ahead, Osaka remains hopeful and focused on taking her matches one step at a time as she navigates her journey in the tennis world.