KEY POINT
- Naomi Osaka pulled out of her third round match at the Australian Open due to a recurring left abdominal issue.
- Maddison Inglis progresses to her first Grand Slam fourth round.
- Osaka has previously struggled with similar abdominal injuries, including last year’s Australian Open retirement, and plans to consult medical specialists before returning to competition.
MELBOURNE, Australia — Two time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka withdrew from the 2026 tournament on Saturday, citing a recurring left abdominal injury.
Just hours before her scheduled third round match against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis. The decision gave Inglis, ranked 168th in the world, a first time Grand Slam Round of 16 berth.
Osaka, 28, confirmed the withdrawal after warming up at Rod Laver Arena, explaining that she could not risk aggravating the injury.
“I was hoping I could push through it, but after warming up, I realized it wasn’t safe to continue,” Osaka said in a statement.
“This run meant so much to me, and it’s heartbreaking to stop, but protecting my body comes first.” Osaka’s exit marks a major shift in the women’s draw at Melbourne Park.
A four-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, she has been a prominent figure in women’s tennis since 2018, when she captured her first US Open title.
Her withdrawal not only impacts tournament dynamics but also removes one of the sport’s most marketable stars from the spotlight.
Maddison Inglis, who came through three qualifying rounds, now faces second seeded Iga Świątek of Poland in the Round of 16. Inglis, 28, expressed cautious optimism following the walkover.
“This is a big opportunity, and I’m focusing on being ready for my next match,” Inglis said.
Osaka returned to professional tennis in 2024 following a maternity leave and has since gradually rebuilt her ranking and competitive form.
Her career has been punctuated by both on-court success and high profile off court moments, including bold fashion choices that have drawn global media attention.
In previous Australian Open appearances, Osaka has struggled with abdominal injuries. She retired during the same stage of last year’s tournament due to similar problems.
The injury affects core muscles crucial for serving and movement on the court, making it difficult for elite players to compete safely while fully healthy.
Dr. Helen Cartwright, a sports medicine specialist focused on tennis athletes, explained, “Abdominal injuries, especially recurring strains, require careful management.
Attempting to compete through pain can lead to more serious long term issues.” Mark Peterson, a former WTA and ATP physical trainer, noted, “Osaka’s decision is prudent.
Athletes at this level often face pressure to play, but long term health and career longevity must take priority over a single tournament.”
Inglis acknowledged the unique opportunity created by Osaka’s withdrawal. “It’s unexpected, but I’ll focus on preparation and play my best,” she said.
Świątek, who is expected to face Inglis next, also addressed Osaka’s absence. “Naomi is a champion and an inspiration.
I hope she recovers fully and comes back stronger,” Świątek said during a post match interview.
Osaka plans to undergo further medical evaluation to determine the severity of the injury and the timeline for recovery.
Tournament officials confirmed that she will not return to competition until fully cleared by her medical team.
Meanwhile, Inglis’s advancement creates one of the most compelling storylines in this year’s women’s draw.
Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal highlights the physical demands of elite tennis and the strategic decisions players must make to balance competition with long term health.
Her absence reshapes the Australian Open landscape and opens opportunities for lower ranked competitors to make a deep run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Naomi Osaka withdraw from the Australian Open?
A: She pulled out before her third round match against Maddison Inglis due to a recurring left abdominal injury.
Q: Who benefits from Osaka’s withdrawal?
A: Maddison Inglis advances to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Q: Has Osaka had similar injuries before?
A: Yes. Osaka retired from the 2025 Australian Open at the same stage due to a recurring abdominal issue.
Q: What’s next for Osaka?
A: She will undergo further medical testing and recovery before returning to professional tennis.