In a devastating turn of events, two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka was forced to retire from her third-round match against Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic due to an abdominal injury. The heartbreaking scene unfolded on Friday in Melbourne, as Osaka, visibly in pain, walked over to her coaches’ box after losing the first set tiebreak 7-6 (3) and informed them she could not continue.
This marked a bitter end to what had been a promising and emotional comeback tournament for Osaka. The former world No. 1, who took time away from tennis in recent years to focus on her mental health and then to give birth to her daughter Shai in July 2023, looked to be regaining her form and competitive fire in her first two matches.
“Hopefully she’ll be fine soon and be able to play the rest of the season.”
– Belinda Bencic, Osaka’s opponent
Injury Strikes at Worst Moment
Osaka had been locked in a tense battle with the 12th-seeded Bencic, but late in the first set, she required a medical timeout to have her abdominal area examined and treated by the trainer. She took some medication and attempted to play on, but it became clear the pain was too much to bear.
In an emotional scene, Osaka hugged Bencic at the net as she conceded the match after just 57 minutes of play. Bencic, who is also a mother, showed her class and compassion, drawing a heart on the camera lens and writing “Get well soon Mama.”
Osaka’s Snakebitten Comeback
This latest injury setback is especially cruel given the adversity Osaka has already overcome to make her return to tennis. In addition to her mental health struggles and pregnancy hiatus, she suffered an abdominal injury in her first tournament final of the season in Auckland.
Many had hoped the Australian Open, where Osaka won titles in 2019 and 2021, would be the site of her triumphant return to the top of the game. Instead, it ends in tears and frustration as her body failed her at the worst possible moment.
Bencic Marches On
For Bencic, who is also on the comeback trail after giving birth, Osaka’s retirement opens the door to her best ever result at the Australian Open. The Olympic gold medalist has never advanced past the fourth round in Melbourne.
She will face either American sensation Coco Gauff or 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez for a spot in the quarterfinals. Bencic admitted she would be watching that blockbuster matchup to scout her next opponent.
Uncertain Future for Osaka
The big question now is how serious Osaka’s injury is and whether it will affect her plans for the rest of the 2025 season. She had worked so hard to prepare her mind and body for a full schedule of competition, but this type of injury can linger and disrupt even the best-laid plans.
As one of the most popular and marketable stars in the sport, Osaka’s health is hugely important to the WTA Tour as a whole. Fans, sponsors, and the media will be anxiously following her recovery and hoping this is just a temporary detour on her road back to the top.
For now though, the 2025 Australian Open will go on without one of its brightest stars and most compelling comeback stories. Naomi Osaka’s tennis future is once again on hold, leaving her supporters around the world hoping this is not the start of another extended absence for a player who has already overcome so much adversity.
