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MELBOURNE – Naomi Osaka, the former top-ranked player from Japan, pulled out of the Australian Open on Saturday, as stated by the event organizers, due to a left abdominal injury.

The winner of the 2019 and 2021 tournaments was set to compete against local qualifier Maddison Inglis in the third round of the women’s singles at the opening Grand Slam of the season.

“I’ve had to make a tough choice to step back and focus on an issue my body needs to address following my recent match,” Osaka, who is ranked 16th, posted on Instagram.

I was extremely eager to continue, and this run was the most significant for me. Stopping here hurts my heart, but I can’t take any more risks to ensure I can return to the court.

The 28-year-old defeated Antonia Ruzic from Croatia and Sorana Cirstea from Romania in the initial two matches at Melbourne, each requiring three sets.

Her win on Thursday against Cirstea was overshadowed by a verbal exchange near the umpire’s chair following a tense handshake at mid-court, triggered by Cirstea’s protest over Osaka shouting “Come on” between the Romanian’s first and second serves in the crucial set.

“Thank you for all the affection and encouragement… I’m truly thankful that everyone accepted me so warmly. And I appreciate my entire team for always standing by me, as well as the event organizers,” she wrote.