Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open, bringing an abrupt end to her tournament just days after a tense on-court exchange drew scrutiny.
The two-time champion pulled out hours before her scheduled third-round match on Saturday night, citing an injury that required immediate attention.
“I’ve had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match,” Osaka wrote.
“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 so I can get back on the court.”
Injury forces late withdrawal
Osaka had been due to face Australian Maddison Inglis in the night session on Rod Laver Arena. Tournament organisers confirmed her withdrawal shortly before play.
The decision followed another physically demanding outing earlier in the week. Osaka has dealt with abdominal issues in the past and retired from a match at Melbourne Park last year with a similar problem.
“Thanks for all the love and support,” she added. “I’m so grateful everyone embraced me so much. And thank you to my whole team for always having my back and the tournament organisers.”
Eventful week in Melbourne
The withdrawal capped a turbulent week for Osaka, which included a tight three-set victory over Sorana Cirstea that became overshadowed by a frosty handshake and brief exchange at the net.
Cirstea appeared frustrated during the deciding set after Osaka said “c’mon” to herself while returning serve, including between first and second serves. The exchange continued after the match, with Osaka questioning Cirstea’s reaction.
In her on-court interview, Osaka addressed the situation directly.
“Apparently a lot of c’mons that she was angry about, but whatever,” Osaka said. “She’s a great player. I think this was her last Australian Open, so … I’m sorry she was mad about it.”
Osaka later apologised for any “disrespect” caused by her comments.
Djokovic’s wife weighs in
Jelena Djokovic, the wife of Novak Djokovic, criticised Osaka’s conduct in a series of social media comments.
“I’m surprised that this is not being called a hindrance,” she wrote. “In between two serves, when crowds are applauding or shouting, the chair ump asks not shout between serves as it is disturbing to the player.
“The point is not finished. Sorana missed her first serve and is focusing on getting in the second.”
Djokovic added that applauding a first-serve error was also “disrespectful” and questioned whether there had been a rule change.
In a follow-up comment, she suggested Osaka’s actions may have been deliberate.
“It is about when and how,” she wrote. “She as a professional player would know that it is definitely NOT in between first and second serve of your opponent. Unless you want to provoke.”
