October 18, (THEWILL) – Japanese tennis star, Naomi Osaka, has withdrawn from the upcoming Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo due to a lower back injury. The four-time Grand Slam champion, now 27 years old, has been granted a wildcard entry for the tournament but will not be able to compete.
This marks Osaka’s second consecutive withdrawal from a home tournament, following her absence from the Japan Open in Osaka earlier this week. The former world number one has been sidelined since retiring from her last-16 match against Coco Gauff at the China Open at the beginning of October.
Osaka’s participation in the China Open was her first tournament under the guidance of French coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who is well-known for his previous work with Serena Williams. Since returning to professional tennis in January 2024 after giving birth to her daughter Shai in July 2023, Osaka has struggled to find consistent form. Her best results as a parent have been two quarter-final appearances.
The Pan Pacific Open will continue without its home favourite, with China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, currently ranked seventh in the world, headlining the event. Other notable participants include Russia’s Daria Kasatkina and Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Osaka’s fans will be hoping for a swift recovery as the tennis star works to regain her top form. The upcoming tournaments will provide opportunities for emerging talents to make their mark on the international stage, while established players aim to climb the rankings.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
