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Osaka joined a long list of players including the likes of Emma Raducanu, Daria Kasatkina, Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa who have suffered injuries during the Asian Swing.
Naomi Osaka. (X)
Naomi Osaka pulled out of the Japan Open quarterfinal game against Jaqueline Cristian on Friday due to a leg injury as the number of injuries towards the end of the season piled up.
The four-time Grand Slam champion joined a long list of players including the likes of Emma Raducanu, Daria Kasatkina, Elina Svitolina and Paula Badosa who have suffered injuries during the Asian Swing.
“Naomi Osaka has not recovered from a left leg injury sustained during the second round of this tournament and has withdrawn from the quarter-finals scheduled for today,” organisers said.
Her withdrawal before the match allowed Jaqueline Cristian to advance to the semifinals on a walkover, according to the WTA Tour.
Prior to her injury, Osaka had secured victories over Wakana Sonobe and the 2024 champion Suzan Lamens. After splitting the first two sets with Lamens, Osaka took a commanding 5-0 lead in the third. However, during a rally with Lamens serving at 0-5 and 30-15, Osaka appeared to suffer an issue with her left leg. She won the point after Lamens hit a backhand wide but requested a medical timeout following the next point.
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The men’s and women’s tennis circuits, running over 11 months with extended formats at several tournaments, have faced scrutiny recently in Asia due to heat and humidity, leading to numerous injuries and withdrawals.
The 28-year-old Japanese top seed at the WTA 250 event in Osaka, sustained an injury against defending champion Suzan Lamens on Wednesday. Despite having to have her thigh strapped, she battled to a 7-6(6) 3-6 6-2 victory.
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The world number 16 has had a promising season after returning to the tour in 2024 following a maternity break, but this injury raises doubts about her participation in the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo later this month.
October 17, 2025, 4:02 PM IST
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