The 2026 Australian Open lost one of its biggest stars on Saturday night when two-time champion Naomi Osaka announced her withdrawal from the tournament just hours before her third-round clash. Citing a left abdominal injury, the 16th seed brought a sudden end to a campaign that had captured global attention for its intersection of high fashion and on-court friction.
Osaka took to Instagram to share the news with her fans, expressing deep disappointment over the physical setback. The injury reportedly flared up following her grueling second-round victory.
I was so excited to keep going and this run meant the most to me, so having to stop here breaks my heart. But I can’t risk doing any further damage so I can get back on the court. Thanks for all the love and support... I’m so grateful everyone embraced me so much
Naomi Osaka
Even in a short stay, Osaka ensured she was the most talked-about player in Melbourne. Her tournament was defined by two distinct narratives:
The viral "Parasol" entrance
Osaka’s first-round walk-on went viral instantly. In collaboration with Nike, she debuted a custom look featuring a wide-brim hat, a veil, and a white parasol, blending traditional Japanese aesthetic influences with modern sportswear.
Her second-round win (6-3, 4-6, 6-2) over Sorana Cirstea ended in a "frosty" exchange. The pair shared a minimal handshake after Cirstea took offense to Osaka’s vocal self-motivation.
The argument: Cirstea was reportedly upset by Osaka’s repeated "C'mons."
The response: Osaka quipped post-match, "I think this was her last Australian Open so, OK, sorry she was mad about it."
While the tournament mourns Osaka's exit, it celebrates a massive milestone for local favorite Maddison Inglis. Next up for her is a high-stakes encounter against World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, who advanced after defeating Anna Kalinskaya.
