Osaka's return to the court had been notable for her distinctive fashion sense and an on-court tension with opponent Sorana Cirstea.
Melbourne: Two-time champion Naomi Osaka pulled out of the Australian Open on Saturday just before her third-round clash with local qualifier Maddison Inglis, abruptly halting a comeback bid defined by avant-garde style and on-court tension.
Osaka, who did not specify the nature of her injury, broke the news via social media. She stated she was withdrawing “to address something my body needs attention for after my last match.”
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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," Osaka wrote on Instagram. “But I can't risk doing any further damage.”
The 28-year-old’s brief stay in Melbourne was a magnet for headlines. Her first-round walk-on went viral as she debuted a custom Nike "jellyfish-inspired" ensemble, a striking look featuring a wide-brimmed hat, a sheer veil, and a white parasol adorned with butterflies.
While her fashion dominated the opening days, her second-round victory over Sorana Cirstea was marked by a sharp exchange. Following a gruelling 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win at Margaret Court Arena, the two players shared a notably icy handshake. Cirstea offered only a fleeting glance before turning away, prompting Osaka to ask, “What was that for?”
The friction stemmed from Cirstea’s frustration with Osaka’s vocal self-encouragement during the match.
“Apparently, a lot of ‘C’mons’ that she was angry about,” Osaka remarked afterwards. “But whatever. I think this was her last Australian Open so, OK, sorry she was mad about it.”
Osaka’s departure gives Inglis a walkover into the fourth round. It remains unclear how long the injury will keep the four-time Grand Slam winner off the tour.
With inputs from AP
Published: 24 Jan 2026, 03:36 pm IST
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