Naomi Osaka Withdraws from Stuttgart

World no. 1 Naomi Osaka withdraws from Stuttgart Open semifinals due to an abdominal injury. Naomi Osaka was scheduled to play against Anett Kontaveit on Saturday.

The Japanese admitted that she was dealing with pain during her victory over the Croatian Donna Vekic on Friday. Osaka struggled against Vekic as she defeated her in three sets. She made a fabulous comeback after being 5-1 down in the deciding set.

“It’s an ab strain, something that I’ve had before,” said Naomi Osaka. She added, “Thankfully, because I’ve had it so many times, I am able to tell what it is and I know what to do to make it better.”

“I felt it yesterday at the start of the match,” confessed Naomi. “She was asking me in the third set why my serve dropped and it was actually for that reason.”

“I wanted to wait to see if I could play. I woke up today and I had to roll out of bed, then I decided I wasn’t able to play.”

Naomi Osaka was happy that she was not injured before the start of the French Open and she can deal with it till the Roland Garros start.

“I have it at least once every year. It takes a few days to not feel it, then I just have to strengthen. It really depends on how bad I tore it. I don’t think it’s that severe, but it’s still a bit concerning, ” said the Japanese.

“Even though it’s bad I got injured here, I’m happy it was the beginning and not Rome when it’s really close to the French Open, ” added the World no.1.

Anett Kontaveit will play either Petra Kvitova or Kiki Bertens in the finals of the Stuttgart Open. While Naomi Osaka will remain at the top of the WTA leaderboards.