Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open run has come to an abrupt and emotional end. The four-time Grand Slam champion has withdrawn from the 2026 Australian Open due to an abdominal injury, cutting short what many fans believed was shaping up to be a meaningful comeback moment.
Osaka made the decision on Saturday, January 24, after realizing her body wasn’t ready to withstand another match.
The announcement came just hours before she was scheduled to step onto Rod Laver Arena, following Novak Djokovic, for her third-round clash against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis. Instead, Inglis advances to the last 16 without taking the court.
Naomi Osaka broke the news herself on Instagram, explaining that the choice, while necessary, was deeply painful. She said she had to step back to address something her body needed attention for, adding that continuing to play could risk further damage.
There was so much promise in this run. Osaka had reached the third round after a gritty, three-set victory over Sorana Cîrstea just two days earlier. The match was a battle in every sense, ending 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, and it reminded fans why her presence on the tour still matters.
She also arrived with style and confidence. Her jellyfish-inspired entrance outfit at Margaret Court Arena quickly went viral, adding a playful, creative edge to a week that already felt eventful. That moment, paired with her on-court intensity and a brief off-court dispute over respect with a second-round opponent, kept her firmly in the spotlight.
But the body had other plans.
Osaka has dealt with abdominal issues before. Last year at Melbourne Park, she was forced to retire during her third-round match against Belinda Bencic after dropping the first set. This time, she chose caution over pushing through, prioritizing longevity over short-term glory.
In her message to fans, Osaka expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she’s received, thanking the crowd, her team, and tournament organizers for embracing her so warmly. The love, she made clear, did not go unnoticed.
At 28, Osaka remains one of the most influential figures in women’s tennis. She is also one of only three mothers currently ranked in the women’s top 20, balancing elite competition with a life that has shifted dramatically in recent years.
Elsewhere in the tournament, American stars Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula are set to face each other in the fourth round after both secured wins. Their upcoming matchup adds another layer of excitement for U.S. fans, even as Osaka’s absence leaves a noticeable gap.
