USA Today via Reuters
Mar 31, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) is overcome with emotion after her match against Belinda Bencic (SUI)(not pictured) in a women’s singles semifinal in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 31, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) is overcome with emotion after her match against Belinda Bencic (SUI)(not pictured) in a women’s singles semifinal in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
4-time Grand Slam winner, Naomi Osaka has been struggling to find her top form on clay courts. After a great Miami Open, she felt confident about the clay-court season, as she planned to play two back-to-back tournaments in Madrid and Rome before the French Open. However, she had to change her plan due to an unfortunate injury, and the latest news is not going to please Osaka and her fans.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 24, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) reacts after winning a point against Angelique Kerber (GER) (not pictured) in a second round women’s singles match in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Italian Open
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In the latest news, WTA announced that the former world no.1 Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Rome Open. In a statement, Osaka said, “Unfortunately I’m going to have to withdraw from Rome as the injury which I picked up last week in Madrid hasn’t healed yet. It’s an Achilles injury so I need to be careful especially in advance of Roland Garros.”
Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from Rome due to left ankle injury. She will be replaced by lucky loser Nuria Parrizas Diaz, who will face Sara Sorribes Tormo.
Clara Tauson has withdrawn due to low back injury. She is replaced by lucky loser Madison Brengle.
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) May 9, 2022
“I love this city and always enjoy playing in front of the Italian fans so I will be sorry to miss them – but look forward to coming back next year,” she further stated about participating in Rome.
Earlier, she also posted a tweet, which stated, “Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned and you just gotta find joy in the unknown.”
Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned and you just gotta find joy in the unknown.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 8, 2022
Osaka may have been referring to the current situation she is in. Notably, she suffered a shocking loss in the third round of the Madrid Open at the hands of Sara Sorribes Tormo. Before the match, many noticed the heavy strapping on Osaka’s leg. Now, we know she has been suffering from an Achilles injury.
There’s a slight change in schedule at the Italian Open after Osaka’s injury
At the Italian Open, Osaka was supposed to play Sara Sorribes Tormo again, in her very first match. Many thought it could be a revenge match for the 24-year-old Japanese player. Unfortunately, Osaka withdrew from the tournament. As a result, Nuria Parrizas Diaz of Spain will take Osaka’s spot in the main draw and will face her fellow compatriot, Sorribes Tormo, in the first match.
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Meanwhile, this injury will be a big setback for the Japanese player in her preparations for the French Open. Now, she will be hoping to recover well before the French Open, even after a terrible clay-court season.
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Watch This Story: Maria Sharapova vs Naomi Osaka, Net worth comparison
Can Naomi recover before the French Open? Let us know in the comments.
