I Could’ve Gone Far’: Naomi Osaka Gutted After Brutal Australian Open Retirement…

I Could’ve Gone Far’: Naomi Osaka Gutted After Brutal Australian Open Retirement…

Naomi Osaka’s heartbreaking exit from the 2025 Australian Open left fans and the tennis world reeling. The former world number one, who was hoping to make a strong comeback after taking a break from the sport, was forced to retire during her third-round match against Beatriz Haddad Maia. Osaka, visibly upset, struggled with an abdominal injury that had plagued her throughout the match, ultimately ending her campaign with a tearful withdrawal.

Osaka had come into the tournament with high hopes, having shown glimpses of her former self in the early rounds. Her power and resilience were evident, but as the match progressed, it became clear that her injury was too much to overcome. The 25-year-old, who has won two Australian Open titles in the past, was in tears as she spoke to the crowd after announcing her retirement. “I could’ve gone far,” Osaka said, her voice cracking with emotion. “I worked so hard to get here, and it’s so disappointing to have to pull out like this.”

The Australian Open was seen as a potential turning point for Osaka, who has been battling with mental health issues in recent years and taking breaks from competition. Many saw her return as a chance to see if she could rediscover the form that once made her one of the most dominant players on the WTA Tour. Osaka’s retirement raised questions about her future in the sport and whether her body could handle the demands of a full season of tennis.

For Osaka, this is the latest setback in what has been a tumultuous few years. After her 2019 US Open victory, she struggled with consistency and battled mental health issues, eventually taking a break from tennis in 2023 to focus on her well-being. Despite her return, the injury in Melbourne has once again cast doubt on her ability to return to the top.

As she exited the tournament, Osaka reflected on her journey. “I’ve been through a lot, but I’m not giving up,” she said. “I know I can be better, and I’m going to keep working for it.”

While her Australian Open campaign may have ended in disappointment, it is clear that Naomi Osaka’s fighting spirit remains intact. Fans are hopeful that this is just a bump in the road on her path to recovery and a potential return to the top of the tennis world.