Tennis
Naomi Osaka’s Season Comes To An End After Former World No 1 Pulls Out Of The Hong Kong Open And Billie Jean King Cup
Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.
Get to know Ben Horlock betterPublished21 Oct 2024
Naomi Osaka will prematurely end her 2024 season after the former world No 1 admitted a back injury has forced her out of the Hong Kong Open and Billie Jean King Cup finals.
Osaka will aim to be back on court for the 2025 Australian Open in January. However, her army of tennis supporters will likely not see her in action until the first Grand Slam event of the year in Melbourne.
The Japanese star hasn’t featured since she suffered the injury against Coco Gauff last month. During their fourth-round clash, Osaka was forced to retire.
However, Osaka is expected to feature in the festivities at the Hong Kong Open. That will include meeting supporters and participating in other activities.
Naomi Osaka Ends 2024 WTA Season Early
The HKCTA is disappointed to announce that Naomi Osaka has been forced to withdraw from competing at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2024 due to injury, in an unfortunate end to her tennis season in 2024.
However, Naomi has confirmed she will still be attending the… pic.twitter.com/twctM9BJVS— HongKong Tennis Open (@HKTennisOpen) October 21, 2024
After missing the Japan Open and Pan Pacific Open, Naomi Osaka has confessed that she is unable to play in the remainder of her tournaments this year.
Osaka told reporters earlier this week that she underwent an MRI in Beijing. With the results showing a bulged disc and ruptured abdominal muscles.
She said, “I thought I strained my back, but I did an MRI in Beijing. They said I bulged a disc in my back and I also ruptured abdominal muscles.
“I was practising in Los Angeles in order to play here. I took another MRI and it said I still have tears. I’ve played so many tournaments this year, so it was the toughest decision to not play this and not play BJK.”
Earlier this year, Osaka explained how her ‘heart dies every time’ she loses following a disappointing second-round exit to Karolina Muchova at the US Open.
The 27-year-old will almost certainly be feeling sorry for herself having to miss the remainder of the 2024 WTA season. However, Osaka can begin her rehabilitation to come back even stronger in the new year.