Naomi Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, was forced to retire during her third-round match against Belinda Bencic due to an abdominal muscle strain. This setback comes as Osaka made her first appearance in the third round of a major tournament since 2022. The injury has been a recurring issue for the tennis star, affecting her performance and plans for the upcoming season. Despite her determination to continue playing, Osaka's health concerns took precedence, leading to her early exit from the competition.

The abdominal strain that sidelined Osaka is not a new problem for the athlete. She revealed that she has struggled with this issue periodically since her teenage years, attributing it partly to her explosive serving style. The injury first flared up during a tournament in Beijing last October, where she had to retire mid-match. Osaka mentioned that the pain persisted into the start of the new season, impacting her recent performances. Her return to competitive tennis in Auckland ended prematurely when she had to stop playing in the final due to the same condition. After winning her second-round match in Melbourne, the discomfort intensified, making it difficult for her to perform at her best.

During Friday's match, Osaka sought assistance from a trainer who examined her abdomen and provided medication. Despite these efforts, the pain worsened as the match progressed. In the tiebreaker, Osaka made several unforced errors, allowing Bencic to clinch the set. Recognizing the severity of her condition, Osaka decided to withdraw from the match after 57 minutes. Both players embraced at the end, showing mutual respect and support. Bencic, who is also a mother, expressed her hope for Osaka's quick recovery by drawing a heart on a TV camera lens and writing "Get well soon Mama."

Bencic's next challenge will be in the fourth round, facing either Coco Gauff or Leylah Fernandez. Meanwhile, Osaka remains focused on regaining her health before the upcoming tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. Her resilience and competitive spirit were evident throughout the match, despite the physical limitations imposed by her injury. Fans and fellow athletes alike hope that Osaka can recover fully and return to the court stronger than ever.