Naomi Osaka Withdraws from Japan Open Due to Injury

Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Japan Open due to a back injury that forced her to retire during her match against Coco Gauff at the recent China Open. The Japan Tennis Association confirmed her absence from the WTA 250 event scheduled for October 14-20, highlighting her ongoing struggles with injuries. Osaka had initially shown promise at the China Open, winning three matches, but her condition deteriorated during her fourth-round clash, leading to her retirement after the second set. She revealed on social media that the injury first occurred during practice before her match against Gauff. This withdrawal marks another setback for the former world No. 1, who has not participated in a home tournament since 2022. Osaka's current ranking is World No. 58, and she has a 22-17 win-loss record this season.