• Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open before her scheduled third-round match with Madison Inglis due to a left abdominal injury.
  • Osaka posted on social media that the decision “breaks my heart” but was necessary to avoid further damage.
  • The withdrawal comes after a medical timeout in her second-round win over Sorana Cîrstea; Inglis advances to face Iga Świątek or Anna Kalinskaya.

H2: Osaka stops her run at the Australian Open

Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka withdrew from the tournament on Jan. 24, citing a left abdominal injury that forced her to pull out shortly before a scheduled third-round match against Australian qualifier Madison Inglis.

In a statement posted on social media, Osaka wrote: “I’ve had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match. 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. Thanks for all the love and support … I’m so grateful everyone embraced me so much.”

H3: Recent signs of trouble

Osaka required a medical timeout during her dramatic second-round victory over Sorana Cîrstea, which she won in three sets. After that match she acknowledged an ongoing issue, and reporters noted her injury history — Osaka managed an abdominal problem through much of 2025.

Last year at the Australian Open she retired in the third round against Belinda Bencic after the first set because of the same area of concern, and the recurrence this year ended her Melbourne campaign early.

H3: What this means for the draw

Madison Inglis advances to the fourth round and will play the winner of the match between No. 2 seed Iga Świątek and No. 31 seed Anna Kalinskaya. Inglis’ progression is a boost for the home crowd after she earned a spot in the tournament through qualifying.

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion currently ranked No. 17, had been a tournament highlight not only for her play but also for her walk-on outfit inspired by her daughter and notable on-court moments.

H2: Looking ahead for Osaka

The priority now will be recovery and medical assessment. Osaka’s decision reflects a common choice among elite players to withdraw rather than risk long-term injury late in a major. Her reference to avoiding “further damage” suggests conservative management aimed at preserving the rest of her season.

Fans and analysts will watch for updates from Osaka’s team about the severity of the abdominal issue and any planned timeline for return.

H4: Quick recap

  • Injury: left abdominal issue resurfaced after second-round match
  • Outcome: Osaka withdraws; Madison Inglis advances
  • Next: Inglis to face Świątek or Kalinskaya in the fourth round

Osaka’s withdrawal is the latest reminder of the physical toll of the Grand Slam schedule. She leaves Melbourne disappointed but prioritizing her health for the season ahead.

Image Referance: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6995530/2026/01/24/naomi-osaka-australian-open-out/