Naomi Osaka Withdraws from Tokyo Tournament Due Injury

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the upcoming Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, citing a lower back injury. This marks the second consecutive tournament withdrawal for the Japanese tennis star, following her exit from the Japan Open in Osaka.

Osaka’s injury woes began earlier this month when she retired from her China Open match against Coco Gauff. Her participation in the China Open marked her first tournament under new coach Patrick Mouratoglou, renowned for his successful partnership with Serena Williams.

Since returning to tennis in January after giving birth to her daughter Shai, Osaka has struggled to regain her form, achieving only two quarter-final appearances. The 27-year-old former world number one was set to compete at the Pan Pacific Open as a wild card entry.

The tournament will now feature China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, ranked seventh in the world, as its top seed. Other notable competitors include Russia’s Daria Kasatkina and Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia.