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Osaka Withdraws from Australian Open Due to Injury
25 Jan
Summary
- Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Australian Open citing an injury.
- The tennis star had returned to competition after giving birth in July 2023.
- Osaka's withdrawal came after a second-round match that ended acrimoniously.
Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open before her scheduled third-round match. The decision, announced on social media, is due to an injury that requires her body's attention to prevent further damage. Osaka stated she had a left abdominal issue, an injury she had experienced previously and attempted to play through.
The four-time major winner, who returned to the tour after welcoming her daughter in July 2023, noted that her body has changed significantly post-pregnancy, necessitating caution. Her campaign at the tournament had been marked by distinctive fashion choices and a contentious second-round victory over Sorana Cirstea.
Osaka, who won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, was seeded 16th for this tournament. Her withdrawal means her opponent, Maddison Inglis, advances to face No. 2-ranked Iga Świątek. Świątek, upon hearing of Osaka's withdrawal, expressed hopes for Osaka's well-being.
