Naomi Osaka Withdraws from Australian Open Due to Injury
Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Australian Open, citing an abdominal injury as the reason for her exit. Her withdrawal occurred before a scheduled third-round match against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis. The two-time champion made the announcement on social media, expressing disappointment at having to end her tournament run.
Details of Withdrawal
Osaka shared her struggle with injury on Instagram, stating, “I have to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match.” She mentioned that this left abdominal issue has troubled her in the past. Despite hopes of managing the pain, she decided to prioritize her health after a challenging warm-up session.
- Age: 28 years
- Injury: Left abdominal issue
- Return to play: Needs further tests before long-term treatment
- Recent achievement: Returned to the tour following maternity leave after having her daughter in July 2023
Osaka’s Tournament Experience
Earlier in the tournament, Osaka captured attention with a striking entrance wearing a unique outfit designed in collaboration with her sponsor, Nike. In her second-round match, she defeated Sorana Cirstea in a tense encounter that concluded with an awkward exchange post-match.
Despite the outcome, Osaka expressed gratitude for her overall health and her desire to return to competitive tennis soon. She has previously won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, along with two U.S. Open titles.
Impact of Withdrawal
The absence of Osaka, a 16th seed in the tournament, leaves a gap in the competition. Her opponent, Maddison Inglis, who ranks No. 168, is set to face No. 2-ranked Iga Świątek in the following round. Świątek expressed concern for Osaka, noting her impressive performance in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
Osaka’s journey reflects her resilience and commitment to professional tennis. As she navigates health challenges, her focus remains on a strong recovery, aiming to return to form for the remainder of the year.
