Naomi Osaka’s campaign at the Australian Open has come to a premature end, with the two-time champion retiring from her third-round match against Belinda Bencic due to an abdominal injury.
The 27-year-old Japanese star began feeling discomfort during the first set of the Friday clash, calling for medical attention while leading 6-5. Despite her efforts to push through, Osaka retired after losing the first-set tiebreaker to the Swiss player.
This marks the second consecutive tournament where Osaka has had to withdraw due to injury, having also retired from the Auckland Open last week while leading Clara Tauson in the final—her first WTA final in nearly three years.
The match between Osaka and Bencic was intense, with four breaks of serve in a rollercoaster first set. However, the contest ended on a somber note when Osaka decided she could not continue.
“At this moment, I just feel for Naomi,” Bencic shared after embracing her opponent at the net. “I saw her struggling a bit at the end, and it’s obviously not the way you want this match to end.”
Bencic’s victory marks a remarkable milestone in her comeback journey. The 27-year-old, who gave birth last April, has now reached the fourth round of her first major tournament post-maternity leave. Ranked 294 in the world, Bencic’s ranking is set to soar following her performance in Melbourne.
She will face the winner of the match between third seed Coco Gauff and Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the next round.
The Australian Open’s official social media expressed their well wishes for Osaka, writing: “A sad ending to a great contest. Naomi Osaka is forced to retire against Bencic. We wish you a speedy recovery, and we can’t wait to see you back on the court soon, Naomi.”
