Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion from Japan, has withdrawn from the upcoming Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo due to a back injury. The 27-year-old tennis star announced her decision on Friday, marking another setback in her recent return to the professional circuit.
Organizers confirmed that Osaka, who was set to participate in the tournament as a wild card, will be “absent because of a lower back injury.”
This withdrawal follows her earlier exit from the Japan Open in Osaka, which she also skipped due to the same injury.
Osaka’s recent injury woes began earlier this month when she retired from her last-16 match at the China Open. She was competing against eventual champion Coco Gauff when her back issue forced her to pull out. This match marked Osaka’s first tournament under the guidance of Patrick Mouratoglou, the renowned French coach who previously worked with Serena Williams.
Also Read:
- MultiChoice Unveils New Sports Channel and Rebrands Others on DStv and GOtv
- Six Sports Journalists Rescued After Abduction in Anambra State
The Pan Pacific Open would have been an opportunity for Osaka to regain momentum. Since returning to the sport in January 2024 after giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023, she has faced challenges in finding consistency. Despite some promising moments, her best achievements this season have been two quarter-final appearances.
Osaka’s absence will shift the focus to other top competitors at the Pan Pacific Open. China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, currently ranked number seven in the world, is set to lead the field. Additionally, Russia’s Daria Kasatkina and Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia are among the other notable players participating in the Tokyo event.
Osaka’s withdrawal is a disappointment for her fans in Japan, who were eager to see her compete on home soil again. Despite this, the tennis star has expressed determination to return stronger after recovering from her injury.
“I will continue to focus on my recovery and hope to be back on the court soon,” she shared in a recent statement.