Naomi Osaka Withdraws from Australian Open Ahead of Third-Round Match

Naomi Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, has made the difficult decision to withdraw from her third-round match. The withdrawal comes due to a left abdominal injury, which she described as a choice that “breaks my heart.” Osaka announced her decision on social media, emphasizing the need to prioritize her health.

Injury Background

Osaka has a history of abdominal issues, which significantly affected her performance at last year’s Australian Open. In the previous tournament, an abdominal injury led her to retire after the first set in a match against Belinda Bencic. During her second-round win over Sorana Cîrstea, which she won in three sets, she required a medical timeout due to her condition.

Statement from Osaka

In her statement, Osaka expressed gratitude for the support she has received throughout her journey. “I was so excited to keep going… having to stop here breaks my heart, but I can’t risk doing any further damage,” she explained.

Match Details

Osaka was set to compete against Australian qualifier Madison Inglis in the third round. This match would have been a significant moment for Osaka, especially after her creative and impactful walk-on outfit in her first-round victory against Antonia Ružić. The outfit, inspired by her daughter Shai’s fascination with jellyfish, featured a unique dress designed by Robert Wun.

Future Matches

With Osaka’s withdrawal, Madison Inglis will now advance to the fourth round. She will face either Iga Świątek, the No. 2 seed, or Anna Kalinskaya, seeded No. 31.

Osaka’s Rankings

As of now, Osaka is ranked No. 17 in the world and has achieved a notable record as a four-time Grand Slam champion. Her contribution to tennis and her vibrant personality, both on and off the court, continue to resonate with fans worldwide.