Naomi Osaka has decided to pull out of the Australian Open just before her third-round match, where she was set to face Maddison Inglis. As a result of Osaka’s withdrawal, Inglis will move forward to the next round.
In a statement on Instagram, Osaka expressed her disappointment at having to withdraw due to a physical issue that needs attention following her previous match. She conveyed her gratitude for the support and understanding of her fans, team, and the tournament organizers.
Speaking to the media through Tennis Australia, Osaka revealed that the injury she experienced had previously occurred and worsened during warm-up, prompting her to prioritize her health and avoid aggravating the condition further. She acknowledged the need for caution, especially considering the changes her body has undergone post-pregnancy.
Osaka’s recent matches in Melbourne included a victory against Sorana Cirstea and a challenging three-set match against Antonia Ruzic. This withdrawal marks her second consecutive tournament exit after facing a similar situation at the Japan Open last year.
The tennis star’s year began with participation in the United Cup for Japan in Perth, where she faced setbacks due to health issues affecting her performance. Despite these challenges, Osaka remains hopeful and focused on taking each match as it comes.
Osaka had expressed optimism for her performance at the Australian Open but emphasized the importance of approaching the tournament one step at a time.