Naomi Osaka has been compelled to withdraw from the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo due to a back injury

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka from Japan has withdrawn from the upcoming Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo due to a back injury.

The former world number one has been out of action since she retired during her round of 16 match at the China Open against the eventual champion, Coco Gauff, earlier this month. Subsequently, she also withdrew from this week's Japan Open in Osaka.

At 27 years old, Osaka was scheduled to participate in the Pan Pacific Open as a wildcard; however, the organizers announced her absence was due to a lower back injury.

Osaka's participation in the China Open marked her first tournament under the guidance of Patrick Mouratoglou, the French coach renowned for his long tenure with Serena Williams.

Since her return to tennis in January following the birth of her daughter Shai in July 2023, Osaka has faced challenges in maintaining consistency, with her best results being two quarter-final finishes.

The top-ranked player at the Pan Pacific Open is China's Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, who is currently ranked seventh in the world. Additionally, Russia's Daria Kasatkina and Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia are also expected to compete.

SportsLigue