Rumors Surround Naomi Osaka’s Participation In The Australian Open

Many of the top tennis players are in Australia perfecting their preparations for the Australian Open as the first tennis grand slam of the year draws near. Growing rumors suggest that Naomi Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, won’t attend the competition.

In advance of the first Grand Slam of 2023 in Melbourne, it has been reported that organizers are dubious if the Japanese tennis star has even arrived there. There are currently questions about Naomi Osaka’s tennis career and her potential comeback to the court.

Osaka has won the US Open twice and the Australian Open twice, making her a four-time Grand Slam singles champion. She has won seven WTA Tour championships, including two at the Premier Mandatory level. Osaka won her first two major championships in back-to-back events in the 2018 US Open and the 2019 Australian Open. She became the first woman to win her first two consecutive major singles titles since Jennifer Capriati in 2001 and the first since Serena Williams in 2015 to win consecutive major singles titles.

The Australian Open’s official 2023 entry list for the women’s singles draw includes Naomi Osaka’s name. Although inclusion on the entry list does not ensure participation, it usually serves as a reliable indication of a player’s availability.

Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open. We will miss her at #AO2023 ?

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 8, 2023

Osaka withdrew from tennis in 2021 to focus on her mental health, skipping the French Open in the process. She later disclosed that she had battled anxiety and depression for years.

Osaka’s availability, nevertheless, is in doubt because of a conspicuous absence of recent playing time.

Fans have expressed their outrage on social media at Osaka’s apparent lack of preparation, and some have even suggested that her fiancé is to blame for her decision not to play tennis. The 25-year-old is still listed as a legitimate entrant for the Australian Open, but she will not be participating in the lead-up competitions in Adelaide or Hobart the following week.

Also Read: Injury Causes Venus Williams To Withdraw From The Australian Open