Top-ranked tennis star Naomi Osaka has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming Japan Open, citing a persistent back issue that prematurely ended her China Open campaign last week. The 26-year-old sensation was unable to continue playing in the round of 16 at the Beijing tournament, ultimately conceding to eventual winner Coco Gauff due to severe lower back pain.
According to the Japan Tennis Association, Osaka has made the difficult decision to pull out of the Japan Open, which is set to take place from October 14th. Despite her withdrawal, Osaka remains committed to competing in the Pan Pacific Open Tennis Tournament 2024, scheduled to run from October 21-27 in Tokyo.
This marks the second time Osaka has been forced to withdraw from a tournament on home soil due to injury. In 2022, she withdrew from the Pan Pacific Open prior to her second-round match, citing abdominal pains. The four-time Grand Slam champion will undoubtedly be missed at the Japan Open, but fans can look forward to her return to action in Tokyo later this month.
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