The Australian Open had been shaping up as another meaningful chapter for Naomi Osaka. Back on one of her most successful stages, she was drawing attention for more than just results. Her movement looked sharp, her confidence steady, and her presence in Melbourne carried the familiar mix of focus and individuality that has long defined her career.
Away from competition, the week also brought quieter moments. Osaka had addressed and apologized for a comment involving Sorana Cirstea, a reminder that the modern Grand Slam is played under constant public attention. Still, once play began, the story returned to the court, where she appeared ready to push forward in a tournament she has won twice.
But beneath that momentum, trouble was already brewing. Each match demanded more physically, and what initially seemed manageable quickly escalated. By the time Osaka stepped into her second-round match, discomfort had already entered the picture.
“It’s an injury I’ve had a couple of times before, and I thought I could push through it…
Injury forces a sudden stop in Melbourne
On Saturday, Osaka officially withdrew from the Australian Open due to an abdominal injury, according to ESPN reporter Jake Michaels. She had been scheduled to face Australia’s Maddison Inglis in the third round at Rod Laver Arena, but the matchup was scrapped before it could begin.
Osaka later explained on social media that the injury occurred during her second-round match. It was an issue she had dealt with before, and she initially believed she could push through it. During that match, while leading 2-1, she required a medical timeout, an early warning that the situation was more serious than expected.
She hoped rest would help. Instead, warming up ahead of her next match made the pain significantly worse. That moment forced a difficult decision.
“I played my last match with some pain, and I thought maybe if I gave myself a break before my match today, I would be able to handle it. But I warmed up, and it got a lot worse…
In a message shared Saturday evening, Osaka said withdrawing broke her heart, especially given how much the run meant to her. Still, she emphasized that continuing risked long-term damage and that listening to her body had to come first. Fans and fellow players quickly responded with support.
As a result of the withdrawal, Inglis will now face world No. 2 Iga witek, according to the official draw and reporting from Reuters. For Osaka, a two-time champion in Melbourne in 2019 and 2021, the exit is abrupt but telling. Even on familiar ground, health remains the final authority.
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