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Tennis star Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Australian Open ahead of her third-round match due to a left stomach injury, ending her pursuit of a third Grand Slam title.
Osaka, who previously won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, took to social media to announce her decision. She did not immediately provide details about the nature of her injury.
Naomi Osaka takes the court for her second round match against Sorana Cirstea at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia on January 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
“I’ve had to make the difficult decision to retire to address something my body needs attention after my last fight,” her statement on Instagram read. “I was so excited to continue and this race meant the most to me, so it breaks my heart to have to stop here, but I can’t risk doing any more damage so I can get back on track.”
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In a statement later from the tournament, Osaka said it was a left stomach.
“It’s an injury I’ve had a few times before and I thought I could push through it,” said the 28-year-old tennis pro. “I played my last match with some pain and I thought if I gave myself a break before my match today I might be able to make it. But I warmed up and it got a lot worse.”
Osaka added that her body “changed quite a lot” after giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in 2023. During that time, she took a 15-month break away from competition before returning in 2024.
Naomi Osaka walks into Rod Laver Arena for her first round match against Antonia Ruzic at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia on January 20, 2026. (Joel Carrett/AAP photo via AP)
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“I’m just thankful to be otherwise very healthy,” she said, “and I hope I’m able to play some good tennis the rest of the year.”
Although cut short, Osaka’s time at the Australian Open was highlighted by her fashion choices and a tense interaction with opponent Sorana Cirstea in the second round.
Cirstea appeared to take issue with Osaka’s attempts to motivate herself between points, prompting the four-time Grand Slam champion to make a rant about Cirstea after her 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 victory.
Naomi Osaka reacts after defeating Sorana Cirstea in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia on January 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
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“Apparently a lot of ‘c’mons’ that she was angry about, but whatever,” Osaka said during a court interview. “I mean, I tried to play well, I tried my best. She’s a great player. I think it was her last Australian Open, so okay, sorry, she was mad about it.”
Osaka later apologized, saying that she doesn’t “like to disrespect people. That’s not what I do.”
In addition to her two Australian Open titles, Osaka won the US Open in 2018 and 2020.
