Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open, bringing her run in Melbourne to an early finish.
Osaka confirmed the choice in an announcement shared on her Instagram account, explaining that she wanted to step away to handle a bodily challenge following her most up-to-date match.
“I’ve needed to make the tough resolution to withdraw to handle one thing my physique wants consideration for after my final match,” Osaka wrote. “I used to be so excited to maintain going and this run meant probably the most to me, so having to cease right here breaks my coronary heart. However I can’t threat doing any additional harm so I can get again on the court docket.”
The previous world No. 1 additionally thanked these round her for his or her assist through the event.
“Thanks for all of the love and assist. I’m so grateful everybody embraced me a lot,” she mentioned. “And thanks to my complete staff for at all times having my again and the event organizers.”
Osaka’s withdrawal comes after what had been a optimistic stretch in Melbourne, making the ending notably disappointing.
Whereas the precise nature of the damage was not specified, her message made clear that the choice was made along with her long-term well being in thoughts.
The four-time Grand Slam champion has handled a number of interruptions to her schedule in current seasons. For now, the main focus is on relaxation and restoration, with hopes that Osaka will return to the court docket quickly.
