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Naomi Osaka Withdraws from Australian Open 2026 Due to Abdominal Injury

Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the 2026 tournament due to an abdominal injury, announcing her decision on Instagram. Her withdrawal allows Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis to advance to the last 16. In other matches, defending men's champion Jannik Sinner overcame heat and cramps to win a grueling four-set battle against Eliot Spizzirri. Meanwhile, defending women's champion Madison Keys easily defeated Karolina Pliskova and will next face familiar rival Jessica Pegula.

Key Points: Naomi Osaka Withdraws from Australian Open with Injury

  • Osaka withdraws due to abdominal injury
  • Maddison Inglis advances to last 16
  • Jannik Sinner wins tough fourth-round match
  • Madison Keys continues dominant run
  • Keys to face Jessica Pegula next
2 min read

Australian Open: Naomi Osaka withdraws from tournament due to abdominal injury

Two-time champion Naomi Osaka withdraws from the 2026 Australian Open due to an abdominal injury. Latest updates on Sinner, Keys, and tournament results.

"I can't risk doing any further damage, so I can get back on the court. - Naomi Osaka"

Melbourne, January 24

Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the ongoing 2026 Australian Open tournament due to an abdominal injury, according to Olympics.com.

The Japenese Tennis star, who was scheduled to play after Serbian legend Novak Djokovic on Rod Laver Arena, didn't feel fit enough to play on Saturday. This means that Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis will be through to the last 16 of the ongoing tennis tournament.

Osaka confirmed the development about her withdrawal from the Australian Open on her Instagram handle. "I've had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match."

"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," Osaka wrote.

Menawhile, defending two-time champion Jannik Sinner continued his fine run at the ongoing Australian Open, surviving the sweltering Aussie heat and cramps to reach the fourth round with a win over Eliot Spizzirri on Saturday.

According to ATP's official website, Sinner beat Eliot in a fine comeback win from being one set down, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, at Rod Laver Arena, a battle that lasted three hours and 45 minutes.

In the women's singles match, defending champion Madison Keys continued her winning run at the Australian Open, outclassing former world number one Karolina Pliskova on Saturday. Keys continued her winning run at the Australian Open, extending her unbeaten run to 10 matches, outclassing the former US Open and Wimbledon finalist 6-3, 6-3 to end her hopes of any further run in the tournament.

Now, she books a clash for the round of 16 with Jessica Pegula, a familiar rival, against whom she enjoys a 2-1 head-to-head record, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 win on Australian soil in the final of the Adelaide International last January.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Injuries are the worst part of sports. Feel for her, must be heartbreaking after building momentum. On the bright side, what an opportunity for Maddison Inglis! That's the magic of Grand Slams.
A
Aditya G
Smart decision. No point risking a long-term injury for one tournament. Players need to listen to their bodies. Sinner's win in that heat was incredible though! That's real grit.
S
Sarah B
As a fan, it's disappointing, but her message was so mature and respectful. The tour is brutal on the body. Meanwhile, Madison Keys is looking unstoppable! That match against Pegula will be a cracker.
K
Karthik V
Respect for prioritizing health. But honestly, the scheduling can be so punishing. Playing in that Melbourne heat back-to-back is no joke. The organizers need to look at player welfare more seriously, not just the TV slots.
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Nisha Z
Get well soon, Naomi! 🎾 The women's draw is still so exciting even without her. Keys, Pegula, and I'm keeping an eye on the other matches too. Tennis season has truly begun!

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