Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the Australian Open just before her 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.
In an Instagram post, Osaka explained that she made the tough decision to withdraw due to a physical issue that needed attention after her previous match. She expressed disappointment as she was eager to continue and mentioned the significance of this tournament to her. Osaka thanked her supporters and team for their backing and appreciated the tournament organizers for their kindness.
Speaking to the media through Tennis Australia, Osaka revealed that the injury she experienced was something she had dealt with before and had hoped to overcome. However, the discomfort worsened during warm-up, prompting her withdrawal. She acknowledged the need for additional tests, especially considering the changes her body has undergone post-pregnancy.
Osaka’s recent matches in Melbourne included a victory over Sorana Cirstea and a three-set battle with Antonia Ruzic. This marks her second consecutive tournament withdrawal after missing out on the Japan Open last year due to a left thigh injury sustained during a match.
At the start of the year, Osaka represented Japan at the United Cup in Perth, where she faced health issues that affected her performance. Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic and aims to approach each day and match with a focused mindset.
Osaka had expressed optimism about her performance in the Australian Open but emphasized the importance of taking each match as it comes.