Naomi Osaka has made the difficult 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 Inglis will now advance to the next round by default.
In a statement on her Instagram account, Osaka expressed her disappointment at having to stop playing due to a physical issue that needs immediate attention following her last match. She thanked her fans for their support and her team for their backing throughout the tournament.
Speaking to the media, Osaka revealed that she had been dealing with a recurring injury that worsened during her warm-up for the upcoming match. She acknowledged the need for further medical tests, especially considering the changes her body has undergone post-pregnancy.
This withdrawal marks Osaka’s second consecutive tournament exit, following her earlier departure from the Japan Open last year due to a left thigh injury. The Japanese tennis star had a challenging start to the year, participating in the United Cup in Perth and struggling with health issues that affected her performance on the court.
Despite her setbacks, Osaka remains optimistic about her future matches, emphasizing the importance of taking each game as it comes. Her focus is on recovering fully to return to competitive play at her best level.