*This content was translated by AI.
Naomi Osaka (29, Japan, world No. 17), who heated up the Australian Open stage due to the "non-manner controversy," finally announced her withdrawal due to injury. It is a surprise withdrawal after failing to overcome the booing public opinion and the bad news of injuries.
Naomi Osaka officially announced her intention to abstain ahead of the third round of the women's singles at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, on the 24th (Korea time). According to multiple media outlets, the ostensible reason for abstaining described by Osaka is abdominal muscle injury
Osaka said on her SNS, "I decided to make a difficult decision to stop participating in the tournament to solve the problems I need to take care of my body after the previous game. In fact, I wanted to continue the competition, but I'm very sad that I have to stop here now because I'm in a bad condition. It's a decision to prevent greater injuries. Thank you for all your love and support. I want to thank the tournament organizers and all organizations who always support me," he wrote.
Osaka's withdrawal is drawing a lot of attention because it was decided in the aftermath of more than just an injury. The incident occurred during a match against Sorana Chirstea (36, Romania, 41st in the world) in the second round of the women's singles held on the 22nd.
On the same day, Osaka was embroiled in controversy over her calling for a provocative "come-on" whenever the opponent made a mistake, and in an interview immediately after winning 2-1 (6-3, 4-6, 6-2), she disparaged the opponent with unnecessary remarks to the effect that "I understand that this will be the last Australian Open for the opponent." Chirstea announced his retirement after the 2026 season, so this was the last Australian Open game as an active player. The audience also booed Okasa's slip of the tongue.
Osaka apologized in an official press conference as the controversy grew out of control. She said: "My comments in the on-court interview were obviously disrespectful. I said something I shouldn't have said in a situation where I was getting emotional. I never want to disrespect anyone," he bowed.
"The cry of Come On was purely to encourage me, and the referee didn't hold back," he stressed, adding that there was no meaning of ridicule. However, despite Osaka's explanation, tennis fans and foreign media strongly criticized Osaka's attitude. Some say that psychological pressure was added, with some fans booing on the practice court.
It was Osaka, who was ranked No. 1 in the world and lifted the trophy twice (2019, 2021) at the Australian Open, but this has attracted more attention due to controversy over attitudes than skills. As Osaka gave up the game due to injury following the non-manner controversy, Osaka was burdened with leaving the tournament as the "worst memory."
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*This content was translated by AI.
