Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has announced her withdrawal from next week’s Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, citing a lower back injury. This marks the second consecutive tournament Osaka has had to pull out of, following her retirement from her last-16 match at the China Open against eventual champion Coco Gauff, and her subsequent withdrawal from this week’s Japan Open. The 27-year-old was set to compete in the Pan Pacific Open as a wild card, but organizers have confirmed her absence due to the injury.
Osaka’s appearance at the China Open marked her first tournament under the guidance of Patrick Mouratoglou, the renowned French coach best known for his long-term coaching tenure with Serena Williams. However, the former world number one has grappled with consistency since returning to tennis in January following the birth of her daughter Shai in July 2023. Despite her return, her most notable results have been two quarter-final appearances.
Osaka’s latest withdrawal is a blow to both fans and organizers, who were eager to see her compete in her home country. The Pan Pacific Open remains a prestigious event in the tennis calendar, attracting some of the world’s top players.
With Osaka out, the tournament will be led by world number seven, China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. Other notable participants include Russia’s Daria Kasatkina and Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia.
As Osaka continues to navigate her return to the sport, the focus will be on her recovery from this latest injury. Fans and the tennis world alike will be hoping for a swift recovery and a return to the competitive form that has made her a force to be reckoned with.