Naomi Osaka Withdraws From Australian Open With Injury

Naomi Osaka’s 2026 Australian Open campaign came to a sudden, heartbreaking halt on Saturday night, just hours before her highly anticipated third-round showdown with local qualifier Maddison Inglis. The two-time champion, who has captivated tennis fans worldwide with her powerful play and bold fashion statements, withdrew from the tournament citing a left abdominal injury—a setback that continues to haunt her Grand Slam ambitions.

Osaka, seeded 16th in the draw, made the announcement on Instagram, writing, "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 the court." Her words echoed the disappointment felt by fans and fellow players alike, especially given her recent resurgence after returning to the sport in 2024 following the birth of her child.

This isn’t the first time abdominal issues have forced Osaka to step away from the court in Melbourne. Just a year ago, she retired from her third-round match at the same venue with a similar injury. After her withdrawal this time, Osaka addressed the media, elaborating, "It's an injury I've had a couple of times before and I thought I could push through it. I played my last match with some pain, and I thought maybe if I gave myself a break before my match today, I would be able to handle it. But I warmed up, and it got a lot worse."

Osaka’s withdrawal handed Maddison Inglis, the world number 168, a ticket to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the very first time. Inglis, who learned of the news during the preceding men’s match between Novak Djokovic and Botic van de Zandschulp on Rod Laver Arena, expressed both sympathy and excitement. "It's unbelievable. It doesn't really feel real," Inglis told the Nine Network. "Ever since I kind of qualified, it's been a blur. I will look back after it's all done and be super proud." She now faces a daunting challenge against world number two Iga Świątek for a spot in the quarterfinals.

For Osaka, the 2026 Australian Open had been a tournament marked by both spectacle and tension. Her entrance for the opening round was nothing short of show-stopping: she strode onto Rod Laver Arena in a wide-brim hat, a flowing veil, and a white parasol—a jellyfish-inspired ensemble co-created with her sponsor Nike. The outfit went viral, drawing as much attention as her tennis. Once on court, she swapped the flowing pants for a turquoise ruffled dress before dispatching Antonia Ružić 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in a match that showcased both her resilience and flair.

The drama didn’t end there. In the second round, Osaka battled through a tense, three-set victory over Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea, prevailing 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. The match was notable not just for the quality of play, but for the acrimonious exchange that followed at the net. The handshake was frosty, with Cîrstea barely glancing at Osaka. As they walked to the umpire’s chair, Osaka asked, "What was that for?" Cîrstea, visibly upset, responded to Osaka’s vocal celebrations during the match. "Apparently a lot of ‘C’mons’ that she was angry about," Osaka later explained. "But whatever. I think this was her last Australian Open so, OK, sorry she was mad about it." Osaka later apologized for any disrespect, acknowledging the emotional intensity that sometimes spills over in high-stakes matches.

Osaka’s journey back to top-level tennis has been anything but straightforward. After stepping away from the sport to focus on her mental health and then welcoming her first child in 2024, she returned with a renewed sense of purpose. Her semifinal run at the 2025 U.S. Open signaled a return to form—her best Grand Slam performance in five years. Yet, the physical toll of elite tennis, especially after pregnancy, has presented new challenges. "I definitely have to do more tests," Osaka told reporters. "Obviously, I think coming back from pregnancy, my body changed quite a lot. So this is something I have to be really cautious of. I just have to, I guess, talk with a couple of doctors."

Her withdrawal is a blow not only to her own aspirations but also to the tournament’s star power. Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam champion, having lifted the Australian Open trophy in 2019 and 2021, and winning the U.S. Open in 2018 and 2020. Her presence in the draw always brings added excitement and a global spotlight to the women’s game.

For Maddison Inglis, Osaka’s misfortune has opened the door to a career-defining opportunity. The Western Australian, who battled through three qualifying rounds and spent more than 13 hours on court to reach the third round, is now guaranteed a hefty prize purse and a shot at one of the sport’s biggest names. Inglis joins Alex de Minaur as the only Australians left in the singles draw, a fact sure to energize the home crowd as the tournament heads into its second week.

Meanwhile, Iga Świątek, Inglis’s next opponent, booked her place in the fourth round with a hard-fought 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 win over Anna Kalinskaya. Świątek, a six-time Grand Slam winner, admitted to an error-strewn performance but remains a formidable obstacle for the Australian qualifier. "Hopefully Naomi is well. She was playing great, I saw from the scores," Świątek said during her on-court interview. "It's exciting to be in the fourth round again. Guys, hopefully you're not going to be harsh on my playing an Australian. [There's] a lot of Polish flags here, so please make it even."

As the women’s draw reshuffles in the wake of Osaka’s withdrawal, questions linger about her future and how her body will respond to treatment and rest. Osaka’s decision to prioritize her health may well extend her career, but fans will be left wondering what might have been had she been able to continue her inspired run at Melbourne Park.

For now, the spotlight shifts to Maddison Inglis, who steps onto Rod Laver Arena for the biggest match of her career, and to Naomi Osaka, who begins the road to recovery with the hopes of returning stronger—her trademark resilience and flair undiminished.