Osaka, who was the tournament's top seed, was scheduled to face Jaqueline Cristian in the last eight, but the Romanian will now advance to the semi-finals by walkover. The Japan Open confirmed Osaka's withdrawal in a statement posted on X, expressing regret that she had not recovered from the injury sustained earlier in the tournament.
The 26-year-old's participation in the upcoming Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo remains uncertain as she continues her recovery. This setback marks another frustrating chapter in Osaka's return to competitive form after her recent comeback from maternity leave.
Osaka's injury comes amid a growing list of late-season player withdrawals on the women's tour. In recent weeks, several top players have cited fatigue and injuries after a packed tennis calendar. World number one Iga Swiatek said in September that the season felt "too long and too intense," following a series of retirements during the China Open.
Britain's Emma Raducanu announced an early end to her season after retiring from two consecutive matches due to illness. Similarly, Australia's Daria Kasatkina, Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, and Spain's Paula Badosa have all closed their campaigns early as they recover from various injuries.
The trend highlights growing concerns about player workload and recovery time as the season stretches into its final months. During two tournaments in China last week alone, five players were forced to retire mid-match due to injury.
Osaka's withdrawal is a disappointment for her home fans, who had eagerly anticipated her deep run in the Japan Open. Her return to the court this year has been met with enthusiasm, symbolizing her effort to reclaim top form and balance her professional and personal life. As the tennis season nears its conclusion, Osaka and several other players may prioritize rest and rehabilitation to prepare for the challenges ahead.
