Naomi Osaka has made the decision to withdraw from the Australian Open just before her third-round match. The 16th seed was set to face Maddison Inglis on Rod Laver Arena, but the Australian player will now progress to the next round by default.
In a post on Instagram, Osaka explained her withdrawal was due to a need for attention to an issue her body was facing after her previous match. She expressed disappointment at having to halt her run in the tournament but emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health to avoid further damage.
Speaking to Tennis Australia, Osaka disclosed that the injury she was dealing with had occurred previously and worsened during warm-up before her scheduled match. She acknowledged the changes her body had undergone post-pregnancy, highlighting the need for caution and thorough evaluation.
Osaka’s recent matches in Melbourne included a victory against Sorana Cirstea and a three-set battle with Antonia Ruzic. This marks her second consecutive tournament withdrawal as an individual, following a similar occurrence at 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 challenges due to health issues impacting her performance. Despite setbacks, she remains optimistic and focused on taking each day and match as they come.
The tennis star had expressed high expectations for herself at the Australian Open but emphasized the need to approach the tournament one step at a time. Osaka’s commitment to her well-being and recovery remains a top priority as she navigates through her current health challenges.