Naomi Osaka has made the decision to withdraw from the Australian Open just before her third-round match. The 16th seed was set to face Maddison Inglis on Rod Laver Arena, but Inglis will now advance to the next round by default.
In a post on Instagram, Osaka explained that she needed to address an issue with her body following her last match. She expressed disappointment at having to halt her run in the tournament but emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health to prevent further harm.
Speaking to Tennis Australia, Osaka disclosed that she had been dealing with a recurring injury that worsened during warm-up, prompting her withdrawal. She acknowledged the need for additional tests and highlighted the impact of her body changes post-pregnancy on her condition.
Osaka’s recent health struggles have led to her withdrawal from two consecutive tournaments, including the Japan Open last year. The tennis star had a challenging start to the year, participating in the United Cup in Perth for Japan but facing health issues that affected her performance.
Despite her setbacks, Osaka remains optimistic about her future matches and is focused on taking each day and game as it comes. Her dedication to her sport and recovery process reflects her commitment to returning to top form in the future.