Naomi Osaka’s run at the Australian Open ended prematurely on Friday when she was forced to retire from her third-round match against Belinda Bencic due to an abdominal injury. The match, held at John Cain Arena, saw Bencic leading 7-6 in the first set before Osaka withdrew. While disappointing for her fans, Osaka’s decision highlights her priority on preserving her health, particularly as this injury has troubled her for some time.
Osaka had dealt with the same issue earlier in January during the ASB Classic in Auckland. In that tournament, she reached the final but retired during her match against Clara Burel. Reflecting on her experience, Osaka expressed her gratitude for the support she received from fans in Auckland, despite the unfortunate ending.
After her withdrawal in Melbourne, Osaka addressed her injury in a press conference. She acknowledged her consistent struggles with abdominal strains, explaining that they have been a recurring problem since her teenage years. She attributed the strain to her explosive serve, adding that her team had been working extensively on therapy to manage the condition.
When questioned about whether her recent challenges were related to her pregnancy, Osaka clarified that her injury history predates motherhood. She emphasized that abdominal strains have been an annual occurrence in her career, exacerbated by her serving technique. Osaka also shared that the issue reappeared toward the end of 2024, notably during the tournament in Beijing.
Despite the disappointment, Osaka’s opponent, Belinda Bencic, extended a heartfelt gesture. After the match, Bencic wrote “Get well soon Mama” on the on-court camera, accompanied by a heart symbol. The message was particularly touching as both Osaka and Bencic are mothers—Osaka welcomed her daughter Shai in 2023, while Bencic had her daughter Bella in 2024. This gesture was notable given the history of rivalry between the two players, dating back to contentious moments in previous tournaments.
The bond between Osaka and Bencic, while professional, appears to be warming. Osaka had commented before their match about her respect for Bencic’s journey as a mother and a player. However, she humorously noted that she hadn’t shared parenting advice with Bencic, joking that it might not be sought.
Bencic, now advancing to face Coco Gauff, showed her competitive edge by defeating Osaka and maintaining her momentum. Meanwhile, Gauff continues to dominate, having secured a straight-sets victory over Leylah Fernandez.
As Osaka focuses on her recovery, fans and peers alike hope to see her back in action soon. Her commitment to both her health and her new role as a mother serves as a reminder of the challenges many athletes face in balancing personal and professional lives.