Naomi Osaka sends emotional message to fans after Australian Open injury heartbreak

Naomi Osaka took some time to express her gratitude towards the many fans from all over the world who constantly support her during her matches. The Japanese star was looking to win her third Australian Open title in Melbourne. But an injury meant that she had to retire from her encounter against Belinda Bencic.

Osaka has struggled to find her form since her Australian Open triumph in 2021. While she did reach the final at the ASB Classic in the lead-up to the Melbourne major, she had to withdraw from the title contest due to an abdominal issue.

Osaka showcased glimpses of her quality in her first two matches at the Australian Open before suffering a stomatch injury during her third round match.

Naomi Osaka thanks her fans after withdrawing from the Australian Open I Image Source: Instagram

After having to retire during her match against Belinda Bencic, Naomi Osaka reflected on how much support she gets whenever she steps onto the tennis court.

The Japanese player used her Threads account to let her fans know how much she appreciates them through a heartfelt post.

"Walking on the court today I saw a girl with a bouquet of sunflowers. It was then that I was again reminded that I will never be able to repay the love that is constantly shown. Thank you for inspiring me, thank you for believing in me," Osaka wrote on her Threads account and also shared it on Instagram.

---

Naomi Osaka's head-to-head record against Belinda Bencic

2025 Australian Open - Day 6 - Source: Getty

Naomi Osaka was looking to win a third Australian Open title in Melbourne. The athlete from Japan had previously won the 2019 and the 2021 editions of the prestigious event.

Before playing each other in the third round of this year's Australian Open, Bencic and Osaka had been involved in tough battles on the court on multiple occasions.

Osaka led the series up until this week, but her withdrawal at the Australian Open has now tied their head-to-head with three victories for each player.

The last time Osaka and Bencic faced each other, the former won a hard-fought three-set clash in the semifinals of the 2022 Miami Open. Osaka eventually lost to Iga Swiatek in the final of that event.

The two players were competing in another tightly contested match at the Australian Open on January 17 before Osaka had to withdraw due to injury. Fans will hope that the 27-year-old can recover from her injury soon and return to tennis action before long.