Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Australian Open winner, has pulled out of the 2026 Australian Open because of an injury.
The Japanese tennis star has been suffering from ongoing pain in her left abdomen. The discomfort has been bothering her for some time and made it hard for her to play at her best. To avoid making the injury worse, she decided to withdraw from the tournament.
Tennis Australia confirmed her withdrawal on Friday. Due to her exit, Australian qualifier Madison Inglis got a walkover, which means she moved directly into the Round of 16 without having to play the match.
Osaka’s absence is a big setback for fans and the tournament, as she is one of the most popular and successful players in recent years. Having won the Australian Open twice, many expected her to be a strong contender for the title again this year.
Her withdrawal highlights how injuries can affect even top athletes during major competitions.