“The withdrawal ends one of the tournament’s most talked-about storylines.”
Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the 2026 Australian Open, citing a recurring left abdominal injury. The decision came just hours before her scheduled third-round match against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis.
Osaka had won her first two matches in Melbourne, including a tough three-set victory over Sorana Cirstea in the second round. However, the injury, which she has struggled with in the past, worsened during warm-ups, forcing her to step away to avoid further damage.
In a social media message, Osaka said the decision “breaks my heart” but emphasized the need to prioritize her health to return to competition later in the season.
As a result of her withdrawal, Inglis automatically advances to the Round of 16. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Australian Open winner, thanked her fans for their support and promised to focus on recovery.
Her exit ends one of the tournament’s most talked-about storylines, leaving fans disappointed but supportive of her health-focused decision.