Australian Open: Naomi Osaka withdraws ahead of third

Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the 2026 Australian Open before her scheduled third-round match against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis.

The former world No. 1 announced her decision on social media, citing an unspecified physical issue.

Writing on Instagram, Osaka said she had to pull out “to address something my body needs attention for after my last match”, adding that the decision was a difficult one.

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“I was so excited to keep going, and this run meant the most to me, so having to stop here breaks my heart,” she wrote. “But I can’t risk doing any further damage.”

Osaka’s Melbourne campaign had attracted widespread attention from the outset. Her dramatic first-round entrance, featuring a wide-brimmed hat, veil, and white parasol, went viral, with the four-time Grand Slam champion later revealing that Nike had allowed her to help design the outfit. The look sparked conversation well beyond tennis circles, resonating strongly in fashion and social media spaces.

Her second-round victory over Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea at Margaret Court Arena brought a different kind of spotlight. Osaka edged a tense, emotional contest 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, but the post-match atmosphere was frosty. The players barely acknowledged each other at the net, a moment that did not go unnoticed by fans.

As they walked away, Osaka was heard asking, “What was that for?” Cîrstea later made it clear she was unhappy with Osaka’s on-court reactions, particularly her celebrations after points.

Osaka later addressed the exchange, “Apparently, a lot of ‘C’mon’s that she was angry about, but whatever. I think this was her last Australian Open, so OK, sorry she was mad about it.”

The incident added edge to an already emotional tournament for Osaka, who displayed both intensity on court and openness off it. Her withdrawal has left fans disappointed and concerned, ending what had been a compelling, if turbulent, return to Melbourne.

Osaka departs the Australian Open having made headlines for her style, competitiveness, and candour. For now, she says, recovery must take priority as tennis takes a back seat.

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