Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from next week’s Qatar Open, citing a persistent left abdominal injury.
The world No. 14 was forced to skip the WTA 1000 event just ten days after her sudden third-round exit from the Australian Open, where she gave a walkover to qualifier Maddison Inglis.
Osaka described the strain as a “familiar” issue that worsened during her Melbourne warm-ups.
The 28-year-old noted that her body has changed since returning from maternity leave, requiring extra medical checks and “caution.”
Her short-lived Australian Open run was marked by a viral “jellyfish” walk-out outfit and a tense, three-set victory over Sorana Cîrstea that ended in a frosty exchange at the net.
It remains uncertain if Osaka will recover in time for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which begin on February 15. While she is currently on the entry list, her participation depends on upcoming medical tests.
