Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis has made history by reaching the fourth round at Melbourne Park after Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, withdrew from their much-anticipated match due to a physical issue. Hours before their scheduled encounter on Saturday night, Osaka shared the news via her Instagram, expressing her disappointment over the decision.
“I’ve had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match,” the 28-year-old wrote. She emphasized her sadness, stating, “I was so excited to keep going and this run meant the most to me,” but recognized the necessity of prioritizing her health to avoid further damage.
Inglis’s journey has been remarkable, marking her first advancement to the round of 16 at a Grand Slam after a four-year hiatus from major tournaments. She joins fellow Australian Alex de Minaur as one of the remaining contenders in the tournament. The 26-year-old will next face either world No. 2 Iga Swiatek or 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya in the fourth round on Monday.
Reaching this far in the competition is significant for Inglis, who spent over 13 hours on the court over 14 sets just to reach the third round, making her withdrawal-free pathway a relief. By securing her place in the fourth round, Inglis has guaranteed herself a prize of $480,000, a considerable boost that highlights her impressive performance and determination.
This unexpected turn of events not only showcases Inglis’s hard-fought progress but also opens the door for her to shine on a larger stage, driven by the support of fans and her team.