Injury Ends Naomi Osaka’s Australia Open Hopes

Naomi Osaka has made the heartbreaking decision to withdraw from the 2026 Australian Open, citing injury ahead of her much-anticipated third-round clash against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis. The two-time champion revealed the news just hours before she was due to take the court, sharing the difficult decision on her Instagram.

Injury Ends Naomi Osaka’s Australia Open Hopes

“I’ve had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match,” said the 16th seed.

“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 court.”

The 16th seed explained that after her previous match, her body required immediate attention to avoid further damage, and as much as she was eager to continue her strong run in Melbourne, her health had to come first.

This marks a frustrating setback for Osaka, who has experienced a strong emotional connection to this year’s tournament.

Osaka, who clinched the Australian Open titles in 2019 and 2021, has always left her mark at Melbourne. In her first-round match this year, she turned heads with a bold “jellyfish-inspired” outfit that quickly went viral. Her distinctive white umbrella, wide-brimmed hat, and turquoise dress with pleated trousers made for an unforgettable entrance on Margaret Court Arena.

However, her tournament was not without controversy. In her second-round match, Osaka found herself in a row with veteran Sorana Cirstea after Osaka shouted “come on” between Cirstea’s first and second serves. The incident sparked debate, but Osaka later expressed regret for her actions and apologised.

While the Australian Open ended early for the four-time major champion, Osaka expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans, her team, and the tournament organisers.