Just as if things could get no worse for Naomi Osaka, she has been dealt a fresh blow that will likely leave her really upset.
After all, the 26-year-old has never been shy about voicing the pride she has in her heritage and where she came from, seeking to embrace it in everything she does.
So, when the Asian leg of the tour rolls around, especially with all the Grand Slams completed, it feels like the Tokyo Open is the final big event left for her to truly latch on to emotionally.
Well, not any more in 2024.
Naomi Osaka withdraws from Tokyo Open
Having impressed in the China Open, a WTA 1000-level event for the women, it was sad to see her run cut short by injury once again.
Ever since returning from her hiatus from the sport, enforced due to her decision to have a baby, her fitness has ebbed and flowed, naturally.
However, having won her opening three matches in blistering fashion, and raced into a one-set lead against Coco Gauff too, it really felt like we were seeing the best of Naomi Osaka once again.
That was, until she lost the second set, and deemed whatever was plaguing her too big to overcome mid-match.
She retired, and apologised to fans afterwards.
Well, because of that ailment, Osaka will now miss her home tournament at the Tokyo Open.
A really sad moment for Naomi Osaka
This is sure to leave Osaka frustrated and upset, as a player who is not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve.
After all, she has already revealed her mental state numerous times this year, in an effort to document her journey and keep fans updated on the trials and tribulations of returning to the apex of the sport.
The former world number one is a far cry from where she previously peaked, and so after a really tough campaign she will have been looking forward to a warm welcome back to Tokyo.
Especially after Osaka revealed her biggest issue after her US Open exit, writing: ‘My biggest issue currently isn’t the losses though, my biggest issue is that I don’t feel like I’m in my body. It’s a strange feeling, missing balls I shouldn’t miss, hitting balls softer than I remember I used to. I try and tell myself “It’s fine you’re doing great, just get through this one and keep pushing”, mentally it’s really draining though.’
Osaka offered a fitness update just last week, but that has proven to be somewhat premature. Hopefully, she can use this time to rest and recuperate after a really trying year.
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