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Osaka Withdraws From Australian Open, Qualifier Inglis Advances to Fourth Round

Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open before her scheduled third-round match against Maddison Inglis due to a physical issue. Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis receives a walkover, advancing to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career. Inglis is now set to face World No.2 Iga Swiatek for a place in the quarterfinals. Osaka's tournament was notable for a striking jellyfish-inspired fashion entrance that captured global attention.

Key Points: Naomi Osaka Withdraws From Australian Open Due to Injury

  • Osaka withdraws citing physical issue
  • Inglis receives walkover to 4th round
  • Inglis to face World No.2 Swiatek
  • Osaka's fashion statement drew global attention
2 min read

Aus Open: Osaka withdraws before third round due to 'physical issue' as Inglis receives walkover

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka withdraws from the Australian Open before her third-round match, sending qualifier Maddison Inglis to the fourth round.

Aus Open: Osaka withdraws before third round due to 'physical issue' as Inglis receives walkover
"I've had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for - Naomi Osaka"

Melbourne, Jan 24

Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis is through to the fourth round at Melbourne Park after four-time major winner Naomi Osaka withdrew from the tournament.

Only hours before their scheduled match on Saturday night, two-time AO champion Osaka announced she was withdrawing because of a physical issue

"I've had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match," the 28-year-old wrote on her Instagram story. I was so excited to keep going and this run 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. Thanks for all the love and support...I'm so grateful everyone embraced me so much. And thank you to my whole team for always having my back and the tournament organisers for being so kind," the 28-year-old wrote on her Instagram story.

Inglis, in her first main draw at a Grand Slam in four years, has advanced to the round of 16 for the first time. She joins Alex de Minaur as the only other Australian remaining in the tournament. The West Australian will play against World No.2 Iga Swiatek in the fourth round on Monday, the Australian Open reported.

Inglis, one of two qualifiers to reach the last 32, spent 13 hours and 24 minutes over 14 sets to advance to the third round. With Osaka's withdrawal, she won't need to play more on Saturday night. By reaching the fourth round, Inglis is assured of earning $480,000.

Osaka drew worldwide attention from both fashion and tennis fans with her memorable grand entrance before her first match against Antonia Ruzic.

The two-time Australian Open champion wore a striking white wide-brimmed hat with a long veil obscuring her face, along with ruffled white pants that swayed as she moved and a white parasol resting over one shoulder. Backlit by the stadium lights, Osaka appeared as a striking figure in sports-inspired fashion.

The Japanese revealed that the inspiration for the outfit was nature, not pop culture. Created with Robert Wun, it was modeled after a jellyfish. The butterfly decorations referenced Osaka's 2021 Australian Open victory, when a butterfly landed on her during her third-round match against Ons Jabeur.

The 28-year-old also shared that the grand entrance was carefully planned in advance and involved some logistical effort to make sure it was executed properly.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Her outfit was the talk of the tournament! That jellyfish-inspired look was pure art. It's a shame we won't see more of her tennis, but she definitely left a mark with her fashion statement. 🎾✨ Hope to see her back strong soon.
A
Aditya G
As a sports fan, it's always tough when a top player pulls out. But $480,000 for Inglis is life-changing money! She's worked so hard for 13+ hours on court. Sometimes luck plays a part in sport. Best of luck to her against Swiatek!
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, while I understand injuries happen, withdrawing just hours before a match must be devastating for the opponent who prepared mentally and physically. It's part of the sport, but the timing is unfortunate for the tournament's competitive integrity.
K
Karthik V
The butterfly connection from her 2021 win is so poetic! Wishing Naomi all the best. Meanwhile, Inglis must grab this chance with both hands. Playing a world no. 2 is a huge challenge, but what an experience!
M
Meera T
Mental and physical health are paramount. Osaka has been so open about her struggles. It takes courage to prioritize well-being over glory. More power to her! And kudos to Inglis for her grit. The underdog story continues! 💪

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