Melbourne, Jan 24 (.) Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis has advanced to the fourth round at Melbourne Park after four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Australian Open.
Osaka, a two-time Australian Open winner, announced her withdrawal only hours before their scheduled third-round match on Saturday night, citing a physical issue.
The 28-year-old posted on Instagram, “I’ve had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match. I was so excited to keep going and this run meant the most to me, so having to stop here breaks my heart but I can’t risk doing any further damage so I can get back on the court. Thanks for all the love and support… I’m so grateful everyone embraced me so much. And thank you to my whole team for always having my back and the tournament organisers for being so kind.”
Inglis, competing in her first Grand Slam main draw in four years, is through to the round of 16 at a major tournament for the first time. She joins fellow Australian Alex de Minaur as the only home players remaining in the draw.
The West Australian will face either world No. 2 Iga Swiatek or 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya in the fourth round on Monday.
Inglis, one of only two qualifiers to reach the last 32, had previously spent 13 hours and 24 minutes across 14 sets to advance to the third round. With Osaka’s withdrawal, she avoids additional court time on Saturday night.
By reaching the fourth round, Inglis is guaranteed prize money of USD 480,000, marking a significant milestone in her career.
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