Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka retired from her Australian Open third-round match Friday with an injury after losing the first set 7-6(3) to Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic.
The Japanese star dropped her opening service game but broke right back and went on to hold a commanding 5-2 lead against her Swiss opponent before the injury stopped her on the sixth day of the Grand Slam event.
Japan’s Naomi Osaka plays a shot during her match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland during the third round of the women’s singles at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Jan. 17, 2025. (Kyodo)
In other third-round action, top-seeded Belarusian and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka defeated Denmark’s Clara Tauson 7-6(5), 6-4.
In the men’s draw, Germany’s Alexander Zverev eased to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Britain’s Jacob Fearnley, while Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defeated Portugal’s Nuno Borges 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2.
Related coverage:
Tennis: Naomi Osaka makes 1st Grand Slam 3rd rd. since return in Melbourne
Tennis: Naomi Osaka into Aussie Open 2nd round, sends love to fire-hit L.A.
Tennis: Naomi Osaka is past wishful thinking, looks to end victory drought
