At a Glance
- Naomi Osaka withdrew from the 2026 Australian Open after an abdominal injury.
- Withdrawal announced on Instagram Stories on Jan. 24.
- Match against Sorana Cîrstea finished 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.
- Why it matters: Osaka’s exit reshapes the draw and highlights physical demands on top players.
In a surprising move, Naomi Osaka pulled out of the 2026 Australian Open after sustaining an abdominal injury during her round-two win over Romanian Sorana Cîrstea. The 28-year-old announced her withdrawal on Instagram Stories on Jan. 24, citing the need to protect her body and avoid further damage. The decision came just hours before she was scheduled to face Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis in the third round.
Osaka’s victory over Cîrstea was a hard-fought battle that finished 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. The two players were seen exchanging heated words on the court. Cîrstea accused Osaka of speaking between serves, prompting the umpire to clarify that the player was allowed to do so.
- Cîrstea’s criticism of Osaka’s pre-serve chatter.
- Umpire’s response: “You’re not serving yet, so this is OK.”
- Osaka’s self-talk: “Come on,” as she readied to serve.
- Post-match handshake that appeared icy.
During the match, Osaka was heard telling herself, “Come on,” as she prepared to serve. Cîrstea questioned the pre-serve chatter, asking, “Can I go, ‘come on,’ and talk?” The umpire clarified that speaking between serves was permissible, stating, “You’re not serving yet, so this is OK.”
After the match, Cîrstea appeared to give Osaka an icy handshake. The pair then had what appeared to be a heated exchange near the umpire’s chair, hinting at lingering tension.
Osaka felt abdominal pain during the match that she described as “damage.” She did not specify the exact nature of the injury beyond the abdominal area.
According to News Of Los Angeles, Osaka posted a brief statement on Instagram Stories announcing her withdrawal. She said she had to protect her body and avoid further harm.
On Jan. 24, Osaka wrote, “I’ve had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match.” She added, “I was so excited to keep going and this one meant the most to me, so having to stop here breaks my heart, but I can’t risk doing any further damage, so I can get back on the court.”
Osaka thanked those who supported her throughout the tournament, saying she was grateful everyone embraced her. She also expressed gratitude to fans for their support during the match.
Osaka apologized to Cîrstea, saying, “I’m sorry.” She also expressed respect for Cîrstea, calling her a great player.
A representative for Osaka did not immediately respond to a request for further comment. The Australian Open schedule had Osaka set to play Maddison Inglis in the third round.
| Date | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 22 | Match vs. Sorana Cîrstea | 6-3, 4-6, 6-2; Osaka injured during play |
| Jan. 24 | Withdrawal announcement | Instagram Stories; Osaka withdrew |
| Jan. 24 | Scheduled third-round vs. Inglis | Match canceled due to withdrawal |
With Osaka’s withdrawal, the Australian Open organizers will need to adjust the draw. The third-round match will be replaced by a lucky loser or alternate.
Players who had already advanced will receive a walk-over into the next round. Maddison Inglis will advance automatically.
Fans will miss seeing Osaka compete for a third consecutive title. The withdrawal highlights the physical demands of Grand Slam tournaments.
- Osaka’s withdrawal underscores the importance of player health.
- The incident highlights the intensity of player interactions on court.
- The Australian Open will adjust the draw to accommodate the change.
Osaka’s decision highlights the importance of player health in high-level competition. It also underscores the challenges players face when balancing performance and injury.
The heated exchange between Osaka and Cîrstea added drama to the encounter, illustrating the emotional intensity that can arise during high-stakes matches.
The Australian Open is a Grand Slam event that attracts top players worldwide, and the physical demands are significant. Players must manage injuries while competing at the highest level.
Osaka expressed heartbreak at having to stop, noting it breaks her heart. She emphasized her desire to return to the court.
With Osaka out, Maddison Inglis will advance by walk-over into the third round. The next round will see Inglis face her opponent without a match.
The draw will be adjusted to accommodate Osaka’s withdrawal, with a lucky loser or alternate filling the vacant spot.
The match took place at the Australian Open venue, a key event in the tennis calendar. The competition level is intense and highly competitive.
The scoreline, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, reflects a closely contested match, with Osaka ultimately prevailing.
The match was played on Thursday, Jan. 22, and featured a competitive three-set battle. The withdrawal announcement came two days later.
Osaka’s withdrawal reshapes the Australian Open draw and highlights the physical toll on top players. Fans and organizers alike will feel the impact of her absence.
The article was written by Amanda S. Bennett and published by News Of Los Angeles.
Osaka said, “I was so excited to keep going and this one meant the most to me, so having to stop here breaks my heart.”
She added, “I can’t risk doing any further damage, so I can get back on the court.”
Osaka also noted her intention to recover and return to competition.
She wrote, “I’m so grateful everyone embraced me so much.”
Osaka thanked fans for their support during the match, expressing gratitude.
She said, “She could have asked me. I’m sorry. She’s a great player.”
Osaka apologized, saying, “I’m sorry.”
The umpire replied, “You’re not serving yet, so this is OK.”
