Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from her third-round match against home player Maddison Inglis due to a left abdominal injury. The decision was announced just two hours before the match, set to take place in the Saturday night session at the iconic Rod Laver Arena.
Osaka, who was seeded 16th, shared her disappointment on Instagram, stating, “I’ve had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match.” She conveyed her excitement about the tournament and the emotional toll her withdrawal has taken, emphasizing the need to prioritize her health to ensure a successful return to the sport.
Inglis, now advancing to the fourth round for the first time in her career, is ranked 168th in the world. Her progression comes after a remarkable journey through three qualifying rounds, having initially been denied a wildcard by Tennis Australia. She will next face either Polish second seed Iga Swiatek or Russian 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya, stepping into the spotlight of a Grand Slam quarter-final matchup.
This moment marks a significant milestone for Inglis, showcasing her resilience and determination in the sport. As she continues her pursuit of success, fans are eagerly anticipating her upcoming match.