Former WTA world number one Naomi Osaka pulled out of the Pan Pacific Open on Thursday due to abdominal pain. The 24-year-old player was set to play in the second round of her home tournament against Beatriz Haddad Maia.
“I am really sorry that I am not able to compete today,” Osaka stated. “It’s an honor to be able to play at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in front of the amazing fans here in Japan. This has and always will be a special tournament for me and I wish I could have stepped on court, but my body won’t let me. I will see you next year.”
Osaka has been plagued by a series of injuries this year, sitting out of Wimbledon and the grasscourt season due to an Achilles injury while also withdrawing from the first round of the US Open because of a back problem.
A four-time grand slam winner, Osaka’s last victory came at the Australian Open in 2021. She previously won the tournament in 2019, while also winning the US Open on two occasions; in 2018 and 2020.
