The Australian Open women’s event saw a huge withdrawal on Saturday as Naomi Osaka revealed she could no longer continue her campaign at Melbourne Park.
Just hours before her third-round match with Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis, Osaka pulled out of the tournament, citing a left abdominal injury.
The Japanese star explained that she played her second-round clash against Sorana Cirstea with ‘some pain’ and was hoping to recover in time for round three.
How far do you think Osaka could have got without injury at the Australian Open?
Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, said the injury got worse during practice, however, and decided to call a halt to her run.
Had she continued, the 28-year-old’s next opponent would have been Iga Swiatek, who reacted to the withdrawal immediately after winning her tough third-round bout with Anna Kalinskaya.
Iga Swiatek says she hopes Naomi Osaka is well
When told the news about Osaka in her on-court interview, Swiatek said: “I don’t know what my reaction should be, but hopefully Naomi is well.
“She was playing great. I haven’t watched, but I saw from the scores that she likes playing here. I hope she is well.
“It’s exciting to be in the fourth round and guys, hopefully you are not going to be so harsh on me if I play an Australian! Please make it even.”
Swiatek has a winning record against Osaka, having played her three times before on the WTA Tour.
After losing to Osaka at the 2019 Canadian Open, she beat her at both the 2022 Miami Open and in the second round of Roland Garros in 2024.
The Pole has faced her next opponent, Inglis, just once, with the sole meeting coming at the Adelaide International in 2021.
Swiatek won that match in straight sets, beating the home hope 6-1, 6-3.
Iga Swiatek’s route to the final after Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal
Osaka’s withdrawal has given Swiatek a more favourable path to the final, but there is still work to do for the six-time major champion in her pursuit of the Career Grand Slam.
Who stops Iga Swiatek from completing the Career Grand Slam in Australia?
Should she advance past Inglis, Swiatek will come up against either Elena Rybakina or Elise Mertens in the quarterfinals.
Semifinal assignments could come in the form of Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula or defending champion Madison Keys.
Swiatek’s most likely final opponent is world number one Aryna Sabalenka, with the Belarusian looking to reclaim the Australian Open title.
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