Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the Australian Open shortly before her third-round match. The 16th seed was set to face Maddison Inglis on Rod Laver Arena, but Inglis will now progress to the next round. Osaka shared on Instagram that she had to withdraw due to a physical issue that required attention following her previous match. She expressed disappointment at having to end her run but emphasized the need to prioritize her health to avoid further harm.
In a statement to Tennis Australia, Osaka revealed that she had been dealing with a recurring injury, which worsened during the warm-up for her upcoming match. She acknowledged the need for additional tests, especially considering the changes her body has undergone post-pregnancy.
The two-time Australian Open champion’s most recent match in Melbourne was a hard-fought victory against Sorana Cirstea. This withdrawal marks Osaka’s second consecutive tournament exit as an individual, following a similar situation at the Japan Open last year. She had to skip a scheduled quarter-final due to a left thigh injury sustained during a previous match.
At the start of the year, Osaka participated in the United Cup in Perth, representing Japan. Despite health concerns that affected her performance, she remained optimistic about her prospects for the Australian Open. Osaka emphasized taking each day and match as it comes, focusing on gradual improvement.
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