Naomi Osaka has announced her withdrawal from the Australian Open ahead of her third-round match against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis. The two-time champion made the announcement via social media, citing a need to address an undisclosed injury. In her heartfelt Instagram post, Osaka shared her disappointment, stating, “I was so excited to keep going and this run meant the most to me, so having to stop here breaks my heart. But I can’t risk doing any further damage.”
Osaka’s appearance at this year’s tournament was marked by a striking entrance that captured the attention of fans and media alike. She made headlines as she took to the court for her first-round match wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a veil, and carrying a white parasol, a design collaboration with her clothing sponsor, Nike.
In the second round, Osaka faced a challenging match against Sorana Cirstea, where she emerged victorious with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. The match, however, ended on a tense note, with the two players having a brief and awkward interaction post-game. Osaka expressed surprise over Cirstea’s visible frustration during the match, particularly regarding her own cheers of encouragement.
Despite the ups and downs of her Australian Open campaign, Osaka’s dedication to her well-being and her unique sense of style have continued to resonate with fans worldwide. As she focuses on her health, many will be eagerly awaiting her return to the court, hopeful for her comeback in future tournaments.