Naomi Osaka's run to a third Australian Open title was cut short on Friday, as a lingering injury caused her to retire from her third-round match against Belinda Bencic. Osaka, whose last Grand Slam win came in Melbourne in 2021,

Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka has stopped playing because of an injury after dropping the opening set of her third-round match against Belinda Bencic.

Swiss Belinda Bencic advanced to the last 16 of the Australian Open after two-time champion Naomi Osaka retired during Friday's third-round match with an abdominal strain that has affected her since the start of the season.

Naomi Osaka ’s return to Grand Slam competition ended prematurely on Friday, as the two-time Australian Open champion was forced to retire from her third-round match against Belinda Bencic due to a strained abdominal muscle. Osaka had dropped the opening set in a tiebreaker, 7-6 (3), before informing the chair umpire she could no longer continue.

Belinda Bencic (No. 294) will take on Naomi Osaka (No. 51) in the Round of 32 at the Australian Open on Thursday, January 16.Osaka secured a three-set victory over Karolina Muchova (1-6, 6-1, 6-3)

A persistent abdominal injury forced Naomi Osaka to retire during her third round match against Belinda Bencic at the 2025 Australian Open.

Eurosport expert Mats Wilander said it was "very sad" to see Naomi Osaka forced to retire from her third-round match at the Australian Open.

Naomi Osaka withdrew from match against Belinda Bencic after her pain became unbearable in third round.On Friday at John Cain Arena, Melbourne the four-time Grand Slam champion was leading the opening set with 5-2 but started struggling

Naomi Osaka had just lost a first-set tiebreak 7-3 when she retired hurt from her second-round contest on Friday

Osaka's dreams of a 2025 Australian Open title ended Friday as she was forced to retire with an abdominal injury.

Naomi Osaka suffered a disappointing end to what has been an encouraging Australian Open, as she retired with an abdominal injury after losing the first set against Belinda Bencic.