Naomi Osaka has made the tough decision to withdraw from the Australian Open just hours before her scheduled third-round match. The 16th seed was set to face Maddison Inglis on Rod Laver Arena, but due to a need for attention to her body after the previous match, Osaka had to step back, allowing Inglis to move forward to the last 16.
Taking to Instagram, Osaka expressed her disappointment at having to halt her run in the tournament due to a physical issue that required immediate focus. She thanked her supporters and team for their backing and the tournament organizers for their kindness during this challenging time.
In a statement to Tennis Australia, Osaka revealed that the injury she experienced had resurfaced, causing more discomfort during warm-up before the match. She acknowledged the need for further tests, particularly considering the changes her body has undergone post-pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of caution in her recovery.
Osaka’s recent matches in Melbourne included a hard-fought victory against Sorana Cirstea and a withdrawal from her last two individual tournaments, citing injuries as the reason. She kicked off the year representing Japan at the United Cup in Perth but faced health issues during the matches, impacting her performance.
Despite her challenges, Osaka remains optimistic about her future performances, aiming to take each day and match as it comes in her journey back to full strength on the court.