Naomi Osaka’s much-anticipated return to the third round of a Grand Slam came to a disappointing end as the four-time Grand Slam champion retired from her match against Belinda Bencic due to injury. Osaka appeared on course to claim the first set after establishing a 4-1 lead. However, the Japanese star, playing in her first major since returning from maternity leave, began to struggle with what appeared to be an abdominal issue. She called for the physio while leading 6-5 in the opening set.
Bencic managed to turn the set around, taking the tie-break, after which Osaka decided to withdraw, ending her campaign. This marks a setback in her quest to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time since her Melbourne triumph in 2021.
After the match, Bencic expressed her sympathy for Osaka. “I really feel for Naomi. I saw her struggling a bit at the end of the set. It’s not the way you want the match to end. It was a good match, so hopefully, she will be fine soon and can get back to winning.”
Reflecting on her performance, Bencic added, “She started better than me, but I found my rhythm. I have things to improve, but I’m happy with the way I’m playing right now.”
Looking ahead, Bencic will face either Coco Gauff or Leyla Fernandez in the next round. “I will focus on me and do my cool down, but I’m sure my coach will watch that match,” she said.
As a heartfelt gesture, Bencic wrote “Get well soon, Moma” on the camera lens, wishing Osaka a speedy recovery.
