Naomi Osaka’s 2025 season came to an abrupt and emotional end after the Japanese star was forced to withdraw from her home tournament, the Japan Women’s Open, due to a left thigh injury. The four-time Grand Slam champion was scheduled to face Jaqueline Cristian in the quarterfinals but pulled out just hours before the match. The injury also saw Osaka spend her 28th birthday in a hospital in her hometown, where she was receiving treatment.
Thigh Injury Forces Naomi Osaka Out of Home Tournament
The 28-year-old was competing in her fifth appearance at her namesake tournament in Osaka. After a 6-0, 6-4 victory over local wildcard Wakana Sonobe in the opening round, Osaka faced a much tougher test in defending champion Suzan Lamens. The match turned into a physical and emotional marathon, lasting two hours and 20 minutes, where Osaka eventually edged out Lamens 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-2.
However, her celebration was short-lived. Midway through the deciding set, she suddenly called for a medical timeout, clutching her left thigh as she grimaced in pain. After receiving on-court treatment and returning with heavy strapping, she managed to close out the match but was visibly emotional at the net, covering her face and appearing to fight back tears as she advanced.
Her withdrawal was officially announced on October 17, just hours before her scheduled quarterfinal. Cristian automatically advanced to the semifinals via a walkover. The next day, Osaka confirmed the news herself in a heartfelt Instagram post that served as both a farewell to the season and a message of optimism.
In the clip, she could be heard saying, “And that’s a wrap on my year. Great year, everybody. Let’s do it again next year. Maybe a little differently. But yeah, it was fun. Thank you. And see you in Australia.”
Posts from the tennis
community on Reddit
Fans React to Osaka’s Injury and Season-Ending Withdrawal
On Reddit, reactions poured in from tennis fans who expressed disappointment mixed with hope for her recovery and future comeback. One fan wrote, “What a shame 🥲 hope she comes back strong for AO,” referencing the Australian Open, which Osaka has won twice.
Screengrab of a Reddit comment
Another fan said, “This is such a f**king bummer. Here’s hoping that this doesn’t linger into the start of next season.”
Screengrab of a Reddit comment
Others reflected on her overall progress this year, with one user noting, “Overall when she was healthy this year I think her level was pretty consistent with her pre-pregnancy level. She’s never been super consistent and has always had very up and down results where she’ll peak during a certain tournament or swing and then disappear for a couple months.
“This year she peaked during the U.S swing and that level was very much the same level that won her 4 slams. During the 1st half of the year injuries really derailed her as it took her out of AO and the ME swing and then she came in with no match play for IW and Miami and it showed. Her Clay and Grass season was basically same old same old.”
Screengrab of a Reddit comment
Another comment read, “Really unfortunate 🙁 I hope she heals soon, she’s made really nice progress this season. Her US Open run was really good and I feel like she can make up more ground next season.”
One fan summed up the collective sentiment best, writing, “Was expecting her to run a good season this year, but I guess it is what it is. Wishing her a good recovery.”
Osaka had been slated to compete in another home event, the Tokyo Open, a WTA 500 tournament scheduled for October 20-26, but the injury disrupted those plans.
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AloJapan.com