Here are the full details on what’s going on with Naomi Osaka’s setback at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships and its implications for her 2025 season:
What happened
Osaka, seeded No. 1 at her home‐tournament in Osaka, Japan, advanced to the second round and faced the defending champion Suzan Lamens. She won 7‑6(6), 3‑6, 6‑2.
During that match, in the final set, Osaka led 5‑0 and appeared to strain her left thigh while chasing a ball on the forehand side.
She took a medical timeout, returned with her left thigh heavily strapped, admitted that the injury was limiting her movement (“I couldn’t really move that well” she said) and that only painkillers got her through the match.
Although she won that round, she decided not to continue in the tournament and officially withdrew from her quarter‐final match against Jaqueline Cristian, citing that she had “not recovered from a left leg injury sustained during the second round.”
The withdrawal was announced by the tournament organisers: “Naomi Osaka has not recovered from a left leg injury … and has withdrawn from the quarter‐finals scheduled for today.”
As a result, Cristian advanced via walkover.
Why this matters
Osaka is a four‐time Grand Slam champion and is still one of the most prominent figures on the WTA Tour. A leg injury at this point in the season is significant for her preparation and momentum.
The fact that it happened not just in a match, but on home soil, adds emotional and logistical weight. Playing in Osaka for her home crowd, she had declared the occasion meaningful.
The timing comes during the Asian swing of the tour, where many players are fatigued after a long season, and withdrawals/injuries are mounting. (Indeed, one article noted that she “joins a growing casualty list as injuries pile up towards the season’s end.”)
This raises questions about her appearance at upcoming events (for example, the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo was mentioned as under doubt).
Implications for the rest of the season
Because the injury happened late in her match and she proceeded with one more win under duress, it’s possible the risk of aggravation is higher if she had carried on. Withdrawing may help avoid more serious damage.
The rest and rehabilitation she undertakes now could shape how competitive she is in the final tournaments of 2025.
Her ranking, draw positions, momentum for 2026 and her physical condition will all be influenced by how this injury is managed in the short term.
There is an added narrative of “comeback + motherhood” (Osaka gave birth in July 2023) and returning to form; injuries can complicate that story.
Current status & what we don’t yet know
Known: The injury is to her left leg/thigh region. It occurred in the second‐round match and led to withdrawal from the quarterfinal.
Not yet clear: The exact medical diagnosis (e.g., hamstring tear, strain, muscle tear, etc.), how long she will be out, how it will impact training.
It’s not officially confirmed that the entire 2025 season is over for her; sources say “raises doubts” about further tournaments rather than an outright season end.
Context: Her 2025 season so far
Osaka has been working her way back over 2024‐25 after maternity leave and other breaks.
Earlier in 2025 she withdrew from a final in Auckland (due to abdominal issues) and had other injury interruptions.
The Japan Open was her first tournament in Japan since 2022.
What to watch
Official medical updates from Osaka’s team or the tournament: what exactly is the injury, what is the recovery timeline.
Participation in upcoming tournaments, e.g., Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
Her activity in 2026, whether she needs to reduce schedule or take a break.
Performance metrics when she returns: movement, fitness, confidence in matches.
Impact on ranking: withdrawals and inability to defend points may affect seedings.