Naomi Osaka Withdraws Again, Same Round, Same Questions

Two years, same round, same outcome.Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open before her third-round match for the second consecutive year, citing an undisclosed injury that requires "attention after my last match."

Fashion Forward, Friction Backward

Osaka's tournament began with viral fashion moments. Her first-round entrance—complete with wide-brim hat, veil, and white parasol—was a Nike-approved creation that she designed herself. Social media exploded with praise for tennis's newest style icon.

But her second-round match against Sorana Cirstea told a different story. Despite winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, the match ended with barely a handshake. Cirstea glanced briefly at Osaka, then turned away. When Osaka asked "What was that for?" Cirstea responded directly, upset with Osaka's frequent self-encouragement during the match.

"Apparently a lot of 'C'mons' that she was angry about," Osaka later explained. "But whatever. I think this was her last Australian Open so, OK, sorry she was mad about it."

The dismissive response revealed tensions that go beyond typical match emotions—a glimpse into how pressure manifests differently for different players.

The Pattern Emerges

Saturday's withdrawal mirrors last year's exit almost exactly. In 2025, Osaka retired mid-match against Belinda Bencic with an abdominal strain. Same tournament, same round, same result—but this time she pulled out before taking the court.

"I was so excited to keep going and this run meant the most to me," Osaka posted on Instagram. "Having to stop here breaks my heart, but I can't risk doing any further damage so I can get back on the court."

The 16th seed was scheduled to face Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis, ranked No. 168, in what should have been a manageable night match on Rod Laver Arena. For a two-time Australian Open champion (2019, 2021) and four-time Grand Slam winner, this represented a golden opportunity to advance deep into the tournament.

The Comeback That Wasn't

Osaka's semifinal run at the 2025 US Open—her best major result in five years—had tennis fans believing in her renaissance. The former world No. 1 seemed to have rediscovered the form that made her one of the sport's biggest stars, defeating Serena Williams in the 2018 US Open final and capturing another US Open title in 2020.

Yet consecutive third-round withdrawals in Melbourne suggest the 28-year-old still struggles with the sustained pressure of major tournaments. Her body language during the Cirstea match—the visible frustration, the need for constant self-motivation—hinted at someone fighting internal battles alongside external opponents.

Beyond Physical Injury

While Osaka cited physical concerns, her history suggests a more complex relationship with competitive pressure. Her previous breaks from tennis due to mental health concerns established her as an advocate for athlete wellbeing, but also highlighted her vulnerability to tournament stress.

The Cirstea incident offers another data point. Elite athletes routinely pump themselves up during matches, but Cirstea's reaction suggests Osaka's approach felt excessive or performative. In high-pressure environments, authenticity becomes scrutinized—every gesture analyzed for signs of confidence or desperation.

Tennis commentators remain divided. Some see a champion whose time has passed; others point to her relative youth and recent US Open success as evidence that comebacks remain possible. The truth likely lies somewhere between—a talented athlete still learning to balance ambition with self-preservation.