Sports

TENNIS | Injured Naomi Osaka to Skip Italian Open

Osaka’s left Achilles tendon injury forces her to miss the French Open tuneup event.

Published

2 years ago

May 10, 2022

Ed Odeven

Naomi Osaka hits the ball during a training session at the Italian Open in Rome on May 6. (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Italian Open because of a left Achilles tendon injury, the four-time Grand Slam singles champion announced on Monday, May 9.

Osaka, who was eliminated in the second round of the Madrid Open on May 1, said she felt discomfort in her leg during the loss to Sara Sorribes Tormo.

"Unfortunately I’m going to have to withdraw from Rome as the injury which I picked up last week in Madrid hasn’t healed yet," Osaka said in a statement. "It’s an Achilles injury so I need to be careful especially in advance of Roland Garros.”

The former world No. 1, currently 38th in the rankings, expressed disappointment in missing the Italian Open, which began in Rome on Monday.

"I love this city and always enjoy playing in front of the Italian fans so I will be sorry to miss them ― but look forward to coming back next year,” she added in the statement.

The French Open begins on Monday, May 16.

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Author: Ed Odeven

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