Naomi Osaka has made the tough decision to withdraw from the Australian Open just hours before her scheduled third-round match. The 16th seed was set to face Maddison Inglis on Rod Laver Arena, but due to a physical issue that arose after her last match, Osaka had to pull out. This means that Inglis will advance to the next round.
In a statement on Instagram, Osaka expressed her disappointment at having to end her run at the tournament but emphasized the need to address her body’s needs to avoid further harm. She thanked her fans for their support and her team for standing by her throughout.
Speaking to the media through Tennis Australia, Osaka revealed that she had been dealing with a recurring injury that worsened during warm-up before her match. She acknowledged the changes in her body post-pregnancy and stressed the importance of being cautious moving forward.
Osaka’s journey in Melbourne included a hard-fought victory against Sorana Cirstea and an earlier three-set match with Antonia Ruzic. This marks her second consecutive withdrawal from tournaments, following a similar situation at the Japan Open last year due to a left thigh injury.
The tennis star also participated in the United Cup in Perth at the beginning of the year, representing Japan. Despite health issues affecting her performance, Osaka remained positive about her future matches and focused on taking each day and match as it comes.
As Osaka continues to prioritize her health and recovery, fans are hopeful for her return to the court in top form.