Naomi Osaka has pulled out of 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 the Australian player will now progress to the next round uncontested.
In a statement posted on her Instagram account, Osaka explained her decision to withdraw, citing the need to address a physical issue that arose after her previous match. Expressing disappointment at having to end her run at the tournament, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health to prevent further harm and ensure a swift return to the court.
Speaking to Tennis Australia, Osaka revealed that the injury she is facing is not unfamiliar to her, having experienced it before. Despite attempting to push through the discomfort, she found that the pain intensified during warm-up, prompting her withdrawal. She acknowledged the changes in her body post-pregnancy, indicating the need for caution and additional medical examinations.
Osaka’s most recent match in Melbourne saw her triumph over Sorana Cirstea in a challenging three-set encounter. This exit marks her second consecutive withdrawal from individual tournaments, following a similar situation at the Japan Open last year due to a left thigh injury.
At the start of the year, Osaka represented Japan at the United Cup in Perth but struggled with health issues during the matches. Despite facing setbacks, she remained optimistic about her prospects in the competition and expressed a desire to focus on gradual improvement.
Looking ahead, Osaka had expressed optimism about her performance in Melbourne, emphasizing a day-by-day and match-by-match approach to her participation.
