Naomi Osaka Withdraws From 2026 Australian Open After Recurring Abdominal Injury Forces Exit
Two-time Melbourne Park champion steps aside ahead of third-round match, citing a persistent left abdominal issue that worsened on warm-up
Naomi Osaka, the two-time Australian Open champion and former world No. 1, has withdrawn from the 2026 Australian Open ahead of her scheduled third-round match against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis due to a recurring abdominal injury.
Osaka, who won the Melbourne Park title in 2019 and 2021, had progressed to the third round with two hard-fought three-set victories but took a medical timeout during her second-round win over Sorana Cirstea after experiencing discomfort linked to the same left abdominal issue that has troubled her in recent seasons.
In an emotional message posted on social media, Osaka said she had been excited to continue her run at the Grand Slam but could not risk further damage, emphasising the importance of prioritising her long-term health and recovery before returning to competition.
The 28-year-old also reflected on changes in her body following her pregnancy and said she would seek further medical assessment.
With Osaka’s withdrawal, Inglis advances automatically into the fourth round, where she is set to face second seed Iga Swiatek.
Osaka’s brief campaign at this year’s tournament drew global attention not only for her competitive play but also for her distinctive off-court presence, including a widely noted fashion statement on her Rod Laver Arena entrance and a heated post-match exchange following her second-round win.
Her departure marks a poignant moment early in the tournament and highlights the physical challenges elite athletes face when managing recurring injuries at the highest levels of the sport.
Osaka, who won the Melbourne Park title in 2019 and 2021, had progressed to the third round with two hard-fought three-set victories but took a medical timeout during her second-round win over Sorana Cirstea after experiencing discomfort linked to the same left abdominal issue that has troubled her in recent seasons.
In an emotional message posted on social media, Osaka said she had been excited to continue her run at the Grand Slam but could not risk further damage, emphasising the importance of prioritising her long-term health and recovery before returning to competition.
The 28-year-old also reflected on changes in her body following her pregnancy and said she would seek further medical assessment.
With Osaka’s withdrawal, Inglis advances automatically into the fourth round, where she is set to face second seed Iga Swiatek.
Osaka’s brief campaign at this year’s tournament drew global attention not only for her competitive play but also for her distinctive off-court presence, including a widely noted fashion statement on her Rod Laver Arena entrance and a heated post-match exchange following her second-round win.
Her departure marks a poignant moment early in the tournament and highlights the physical challenges elite athletes face when managing recurring injuries at the highest levels of the sport.
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