‘Breaks my heart’: Injured Osaka forced out of the Australian Open, Inglis through to the next round

Dual champion Naomi Osaka has sensationally withdrawn from the Australian Open with an abdominal injury, sending local qualifier Maddison Inglis into the fourth round for the first time.

After consecutive three-set victories over Antonia Ruzic and Sorana Cirstea, Osaka posted on social media on Saturday night that she would be unable to take the court against world No.168 Inglis. The official reason is a left abdominal injury.

Naomi Osaka and her social media post.Credit: Getty Images / Instagram

“I’ve had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match,” Osaka said on Instagram.

“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. Thanks for all the love and support … 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 for being so kid.”

Osaka had a headline-grabbing Australian Open, walking onto Rod Laver Arena for her first-round match in a jellyfish-inspired outfit, complete with umbrella, that included a nod to her viral butterfly moment at the 2021 Australian Open.

The 28-year-old Japanese superstar also had a second-round run-in with retirement-bound Cirstea, who took issue with Osaka pumping herself up and audibly saying “C’mon” between first and second serves.

The two players had an icy exchange at the net post-match, with Osaka still rattled when she completed her on-court interview before later apologising when she spoke to the media.

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