Naomi Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, has withdrawn from the tournament, allowing local qualifier Maddison Inglis to advance to the fourth round.

Osaka’s announcement came just hours before she was set to play on Saturday night, citing an abdominal injury as the reason for her withdrawal.

The 28-year-old shared her decision on Instagram, stating, “I’ve had to make the tough choice to withdraw to address an issue my body needs attention for after my last match.”

She expressed her disappointment, saying, “I was so eager to continue this journey, and it meant everything to me, so having to stop now is heartbreaking. However, I can’t risk further injury if I want to return to the court.”

Osaka also extended her gratitude, stating, “Thank you for all the love and support. I feel incredibly grateful for how warmly everyone has embraced me.”

She concluded by thanking her team and the tournament organizers, saying, “And a big thank you to my team for always supporting me, and to the tournament organizers for their kindness.”

Naomi Osaka has turned heads with her on-court fashion. Source: AAP / Dita Alangkara

Inglis, in her first major in four years, is through to the round of 16 for the first time to join Alex de Minaur as the only other Australian left in the tournament.

The 28-year-old from Western Australia will face either world No.2 Iga Swiatek or Russian Anna Kalinskaya in the fourth round on Monday.

Speaking before Osaka pulled out of the tournament, Inglis predicted she would face “a tough match”.

However, she was savouring every moment of her journey.

“Right now, I’m going to soak it all in. You’re not in the third round of a grand slam every day,” said Inglis, who had advanced to the third round for a second time.

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