Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has withdrawn from the 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open due to injury concerns. This decision comes shortly after her retirement from the Australian Open earlier in January, where she exited during her third-round match against Belinda Bencic due to an abdominal injury. ([dubaitelegraph.ae](https://www.dubaitelegraph.ae/Sports/433567-naomi-osaka-retires-injured-in-australian-open-third-round.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Osaka’s recent return to professional tennis has been challenging. After giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023, she resumed competitive play in January 2024. Her comeback has been marred by injuries, including a bulged disc in her back and ruptured abdominal muscles, which led to the early conclusion of her 2024 season. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/sport/tennis/naomi-osaka-season-over-because-of-injury-1.104440126?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
In her 2024 season, Osaka participated in the Abu Dhabi Open, where she faced American qualifier Danielle Collins in the first round. Despite a competitive first set, Osaka struggled in the second, ultimately losing 7-5, 6-0. Reflecting on the match, she expressed feelings of disappointment but emphasized the importance of self-belief in her journey back to top form. ([tribune.com.pk](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455751/osaka-trying-not-to-feel-a-failure-after-early-abu-dhabi-exit?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, scheduled from February 3 to 8, boasts a strong lineup, including top players like Elena Rybakina, Paula Badosa, and Daria Kasatkina. Osaka’s withdrawal is a significant loss for the tournament, given her stature and the anticipation surrounding her matches. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Abu_Dhabi_Open?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Osaka’s journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. Her openness about mental health struggles, including battles with depression since the 2018 US Open, has shed light on the pressures athletes face. In 2021, she withdrew from the French Open to prioritize her mental well-being, sparking widespread discussions about mental health in sports. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naomi_Osaka?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
As Osaka continues her recovery, the tennis community remains hopeful for her return to full health. Her resilience and commitment to the sport have been evident throughout her career, and fans worldwide eagerly await her comeback to the WTA Tour.
