Naomi Osaka has been dealt another tough blow as she withdraws from next week’s WTA 500 in Tokyo due to her lingering back injury. After suffering the injury in Seoul, the four-time Grand Slam champion has missed a series of major tournaments, including Beijing and her hometown event in Osaka. Now, fans hoping to see her at the Toray Pan Pacific Open—Japan’s biggest WTA tournament—will have to wait longer.
Osaka, who hoped to make her comeback as a mom in Tokyo, admitted just days ago that the injury was more serious than expected. “It was worse than what I thought… I’m trying my best to potentially play Tokyo but I’m still waiting to see what the doctor says,” she shared in an Instagram Q&A.
Her withdrawal is disappointing for everyone involved, especially for the Tokyo organizers and her devoted fans. Osaka had been looking forward to competing on home soil, where she’s been a two-time runner-up. However, the former world No. 1 has her sights set on Hong Kong’s WTA 250 tournament next month, hoping to make a return if her recovery progresses.
Osaka’s fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for her recovery and a strong comeback in Hong Kong, where she previously reached the quarterfinals. Here’s hoping we’ll see Osaka back in action on October 28!
