Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open just before her scheduled third-round match. The 16th seed was set to play against Maddison Inglis on Rod Laver Arena, but the Australian qualifier will now progress to the last 16.
In an Instagram post, Osaka explained her decision to withdraw, citing the need to address a physical issue that arose after her previous match. She expressed her disappointment at having to end her run but emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health to avoid further damage.
Speaking to Tennis Australia, Osaka revealed that the injury she experienced had occurred previously, and despite attempting to push through it, the pain escalated during her warm-up for the upcoming match. She acknowledged the changes in her body post-pregnancy and emphasized the need for caution in managing her condition.
Osaka’s recent matches in Melbourne saw her triumph over Sorana Cirstea and Antonia Ruzic in challenging three-set encounters. This withdrawal marks the second consecutive tournament from which Osaka has pulled out as an individual, following her exit from the Japan Open due to a left thigh injury.
At the start of the year, Osaka represented Japan at the United Cup in Perth but struggled with health issues during her matches. Despite the setbacks, she remains optimistic about her performance and is focused on taking each day and match as it comes.
Osaka had expressed high expectations for her performance in Melbourne but understands the importance of taking things step by step. Her withdrawal from the Australian Open serves as a reminder of the significance of prioritizing her well-being above all else.