Naomi Osaka Tennis Update: Back on Court at Indian Wells After 44-Day Injury Absence

Naomi Osaka is back. After withdrawing from the Australian Open with a recurring abdominal injury and missing six weeks of tennis entirely, Osaka returned to action Friday at Indian Wells — and did it in full fashion-forward style. She won her opening match and is now preparing for a third-round clash this week that could lead to a blockbuster Aryna Sabalenka showdown.

Naomi Osaka Wins Indian Wells Opener — First Match in 44 Days

Osaka defeated qualifier Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva 7-5, 6-2 in the second round at Indian Wells on Friday. It was her first match in 44 days, dating back to her second-round win over Sorana Cirstea at the Australian Open.

Osaka made a lightning start, racing to a 5-1 lead, but saw her advantage slip after failing to serve out for the set twice and blowing three consecutive set points in the ninth game. She steadied, claimed another break, and eventually closed out the opener before cruising through the second set.

Osaka said afterward: "Last year I didn't do too well here, so I think I already exceeded the previous year. So I just hope that I can keep going."

Osaka's Abdominal Injury — A Recurring Problem She Is Fed Up With

After winning on her return at Indian Wells, Osaka opened up about her frustration with the recurring abdominal issue. "For me it wasn't, like, too positive. I was really disappointed, because it's something that I have done to myself before, and I feel like every year I go through that specific injury," she said at her post-match press conference.

Osaka also revealed she suffered a second separate injury while training to return from the abdominal problem, adding another setback to an already difficult recovery stretch. She was forced to skip two WTA 1000 events in Doha and Dubai after the Australian Open withdrawal.

At the Australian Open, Osaka had told reporters that coming back from pregnancy had changed her body significantly and that she needed to be "really cautious" of any recurring issues going forward.

Why Osaka Withdrew from the Australian Open

Osaka had been one of the biggest stories of the Australian Open's opening week — not just for her tennis, but for a dramatic dust-up at the net with Sorana Cirstea, who accused Osaka of poor sportsmanship for yelling "Come on!" between serves.

She ultimately withdrew ahead of her third-round match against qualifier Maddison Inglis, posting on Instagram Stories that she had to make the difficult decision to pull out and that stopping there "breaks my heart" but that she could not risk further damage.

The Fashion Show Continues at Indian Wells

After making headlines at the Australian Open for a jellyfish-style outfit complete with a veil, a parasol, and a wide-brimmed hat, Osaka made another statement for her Indian Wells debut. She wore a leopard-inspired outfit and entered the court with custom gold ear cuffs and gold jewelry hooked onto her lip and nose.

Asked whether her bold fashion choices were a confidence thing, Osaka said she believes firmly in the "look good, feel good" principle and that it is one of the main reasons she enjoys making fashion statements at tournaments.

What Is Next for Osaka at Indian Wells?

Osaka faces Camila Osorio in the third round at Indian Wells. If she advances, a potential round of 16 meeting with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka could be waiting.

If both players win their third-round matches, Osaka and Sabalenka would meet in the last 16. The two have played only once before — eight years ago — with Osaka winning in three sets at the US Open. She would enter as the underdog this time around.