Naomi Osaka makes 'difficult decision' to withdraw from Australian Open

The four-time major winner was due to face 168th-ranked Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night.

However, Osaka announced during the penultimate match on Rod Laver Arena â” Novak Djokovic's third round contest against Botic van de Zandschulp â” that she had pulled out.

The two-time Australian Open winner wrote on social media: "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."

Osaka had battled to earn three-set wins against Antonia Ruzic and Sorana Cirstea in her first and second round matches at Melbourne Park.

The former world No 1 made plenty of headlines during her Australian Open campaign; starting with the fashion statement she made before her opening round match.

The Japanese star entered the court for her match with Ruzic wearing a jellyfish-inspired turquoise and white outfit that featured a veil and umbrella.

Osaka then sparked complaints from Cirstea in the pair's second round contest by saying "come on" to herself between her Romanian opponent's first and second serves.

The 28-year-old faced criticism from WTA Tour legends Martina Navratilova and Lindsay Davenport over her "tennis etiquette" against Cirstea.

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