In a disappointing turn of events for Japanese tennis fans, former world number one Naomi Osaka has been forced to withdraw from the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo due to illness.
The four-time Grand Slam champion was scheduled to face Beatriz Haddad Maia in the highly anticipated second-round match, but tournament officials confirmed her withdrawal just hours before the match was set to begin.
Unexpected Setback in Homecoming Tournament
This withdrawal marks another setback in Osaka's comeback journey after returning from maternity leave earlier this year. The tournament held special significance for the Japanese star, who was making her first appearance at the event since 2019.
'I am really sorry that I am not able to play today,' Osaka expressed in a statement. 'I was really looking forward to playing in front of the Japanese fans here in Tokyo, and I am disappointed that I was not able to take the court today.'
Tournament Organizers React
Event organizers moved quickly to address the situation, with Haddad Maia receiving a walkover into the quarterfinals. The Brazilian player will now advance to face either fourth seed Maria Sakkari or Misaki Doi.
This development comes as a significant blow to the tournament, which had been eagerly anticipating Osaka's participation as one of the main attractions for local spectators.
Recent Comeback Challenges
Since returning to the tour after giving birth to her daughter earlier this year, Osaka has shown flashes of her championship form but has struggled with consistency. Her withdrawal from Tokyo represents the latest obstacle in her journey back to the top of women's tennis.
The Japanese star had shown promising form in her first-round victory, making this sudden illness particularly frustrating for both player and fans alike.
Tournament officials and medical staff are monitoring Osaka's condition, though no specific details about her illness have been released to the public.
