Iga Swiatek reacts to news of Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open withdrawal

Naomi Osaka has been forced to withdraw from the Australian Open, bringing an early end to her comeback campaign at Melbourne Park.

The Japanese star, who returned to the tour earlier this year after 15 months away, cited a left abdominal injury as the reason for pulling out just before her third-round match against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis.

Osaka later explained that she had played through pain during her second-round win over Sorana Cirstea but had hoped to recover in time for the next round.

The two-time Australian Open champion also revealed that the injury worsened during practice.

Prior to her withdrawal, the 28-year-old was set to face Iga Swiatek, who commented on the situation immediately after her difficult third-round victory against Anna Kalinskaya.

Iga Swiatek wishes Naomi Osaka well after injury withdrawal

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

During her post-match interview, after being told the news about Osaka, Swiatek said: “I don’t know what my reaction should be, but hopefully Naomi is well.

“She was playing great. I haven’t watched, but I saw from the scores that she likes playing here. I hope she is well.

“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.”

Swiatek has a 2-1 record over Osaka in head-to-head meetings, having lost their first match at the 2019 Canadian Open before winning in Miami and Paris.

The world No. 1 has only played Inglis once before, beating her convincingly in straight sets at the 2021 Adelaide International.

How Iga Swiatek’s route to the Australian Open final has changed after Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal

Osaka stepping aside has arguably cleared a path for Swiatek, but the six-time Grand Slam winner still has plenty of challenges to navigate if she is going to complete her Career Grand Slam.

If she gets past Inglis, Swiatek will face either Elena Rybakina or Elise Mertens in the quarterfinals, both of whom bring different threats.

The semifinals could see her up against Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula or defending champion Madison Keys, any of whom would be a serious test.

Standing between Swiatek and the trophy could very well be world number one Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian is aiming to reclaim the Australian Open title and is the clear favourite from her side of the draw.