Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the Australian Open after sustaining a left abdominal injury, cutting short her return to Melbourne Park following a 15-month absence from professional tennis.
The Japanese player, a two-time champion at the tournament, withdrew shortly before she was due to face Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis in the third round.
The 28-year-old had been battling through discomfort during her second-round victory over Sorana Cirstea, hoping to recover sufficiently for the next match.
However, the problem deteriorated during training sessions, forcing her to abandon the competition before what would have been a highly anticipated fourth-round clash with Iga Swiatek.
Iga Swiatek has expressed her sympathy to Naomi Osaka after her injury
|REUTERS
Swiatek learned of Osaka's withdrawal immediately after securing a hard-fought third-round win against Anna Kalinskaya.
Speaking in her post-match interview, the Polish star expressed sympathy for her would-be opponent.
"I don't know what my reaction should be, but hopefully Naomi is well," Swiatek said.
"She was playing great. I haven't watched, but I saw from the scores that she likes playing here. I hope she is well."
The world number one also acknowledged the challenge of potentially facing a home favourite in the next round, joking with the Melbourne crowd: "It's exciting to be in the fourth round and guys, hopefully you are not going to be so harsh on me if I play an Australian! Please make it even."
Naomi Osaka pulled out of her third round match just hours before she was set to take to the court
| GETTYSwiatek holds a favourable record against Osaka, having won two of their three previous encounters.
The pair first met at the 2019 Canadian Open, where Osaka emerged victorious, but the Polish player has since claimed wins in both Miami and Paris.
Against her new fourth-round opponent Inglis, Swiatek has just one prior meeting to draw upon.
That contest took place at the 2021 Adelaide International, where the six-time Grand Slam champion dispatched the Australian comfortably in straight sets.
The world number one will now look to replicate that dominant performance when she takes on the home qualifier.
Naomi Osaka and Sorana Cirstea had a frosty handshake at the Australian Open earlier this week | REUTERSOsaka's departure has potentially eased Swiatek's route as she pursues the one major title missing from her collection.
Should she overcome Inglis, the Polish player could meet either Elena Rybakina or Elise Mertens in the quarter-finals, with both presenting distinct challenges.
A semi-final berth might see her face Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, or reigning champion Madison Keys, each capable of providing a stern examination.
The ultimate obstacle on Swiatek's path to completing her Career Grand Slam could be Aryna Sabalenka, who is seeking to reclaim the Melbourne title and enters as the overwhelming favourite from her half of the draw.