SYDNEY – Naomi Osaka will undergo tests on the injury that forced her to miss the Auckland Classic final but is optimistic about playing at the Australian Open, the former world number one said on Monday.
Osaka, the 2019 and 2021 Melbourne Park champion, was in tears on Sunday when she was forced to stop play with an abdominal injury while leading Clara Towson 6-4 in her first WTA final in almost three years.
“I’m scheduled to have an MRI today for evaluation,” the 27-year-old said in a brief statement.
“I don’t think it’s too serious and I’m still very optimistic about AO.”
Osaka, who returned to the tour a year ago after a long maternity leave, advanced to the Auckland finals and showed the skills of a four-time major winner.
She re-entered the top 50 in the world rankings on Monday.
The Australian Open begins on Sunday.
