Naomi Osaka issues public apology after withdrawing from WTA tournament

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A stop-start year for Naomi Osaka has frustratingly stalled once again after a back injury sustained in Beijing.

The former number one was looking energized under new coach Patrick Mouratogolou after stringing together a handful of wins in the Chinese capital.

Naomi Osaka had struggled to put together consecutive results all year, with her three-in-a-row in Beijing her joint longest streak all year.

A clash against Coco Gauff saw the pair battle to a set apiece before a back strain forced Osaka to retire.

An injury that has unfortunately lingered, with Osaka reporting that an MRI scan showed a ‘bulged disk’, she has been forced to end her 2024 season prematurely, with another withdrawal announced this week.

Naomi Osaka apologizes for withdrawal from Hong Kong Open

Osaka was initially relaxed about her injury but has now been sidelined since, with a comeback unlikely to be imminent.

The four-time major champion hit the ground running under Mouratoglou with some impressive wins over Yulia Putintseva and an equally good showing against Gauff.

Osaka missed her home event in Tokyo and has now pulled out of another WTA event in Hong Kong. Curiously though, she has said that she will still be attending.

A statement announcing her withdrawal read: “I’m really sorry that I have had to withdraw from competing at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open and the rest of this tennis season.

“I love visiting the tournament and despite the obvious disappointment of not being able to play, I want to reassure all my wonderful Hong Kong fans that I will still be attending the event.

“I am very much looking forward to meeting you all.  There is a wonderful line-up of world-class players coming to the tournament and I want to wish them all the best of luck in this exciting event.”

• READ MORE: Naomi Osaka reacts to finally breaking unwanted WTA record after winning her second round match at the China Open

Who else is playing in Hong Kong?

Despite Osaka’s withdrawal, the Hong Kong Open still boasts a highly competitive line-up.

Defending champion Leylah Fernandez and the returning two-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one Simona Halep are headlining the event.

A strong British contingent also take part with Katie Boulter set to play, while Emma Raducanu is returning after injury for her first competitive match for over a month.