World No.3 Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the upcoming US Open after admitting that she won’t be ready in time due to an injury issue.
The 22-year-old published a statement on Friday saying that she is still recovering from a sore hamstring which has bothered her in recent weeks. Last month Osaka also pulled out of the Western and Southern Open final due to the issue but was able to play at the US Open with strapping on her left leg. At the New York major she claimed her third Grand Slam title after coming back from a set down to defeat Victoria Azarenka in the final last Saturday.
“Hey guys, first and foremost thank [sic] so much for all the support over the last three weeks. I couldn’t have done it without you!” she posted on Twitter.
“Unfortunately I won’t be able to play the French Open this year. My hamstring is still sore so I wouldn’t have enough time to prepare for the clay — these two tournaments came too close to each other for me this time. I wish the organizers and players all the best.”
It is the first time Osaka will be absent from the Paris event since 2015. She has reached the third round in three out of the past four years and has an overall win-loss record of 6-4. It is one of two Grand Slams where she is yet to progress to the second week. The other is Wimbledon where she has reached the third round twice.
The announcement means two out of the world’s top three women’s players will not be playing at Roland Garros. World No.1 Ash Barty is also skipping the tournament due to travelling concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reigning French Open champion has instead opted to end her season early and instead focus on the upcoming Australian summer at the start of next year. 2018 champion Simona Halep will be the top seed.
This year’s French Open is taking place with a restricted attendance due to the ongoing pandemic. On Thursday it was confirmed that original plans for 11,500 daily spectators to visit the event has been substantially cut to just 5000. The move was a ‘governmental decision’ in response to a spike of cases in both France and other countries.
The French Open will start on September 27th.
