Back injury forces Naomi Osaka out of Hong Kong Open

WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka looking up

US Open champion Naomi Osaka will miss this week’s Hong Kong Open due to injury.

The 20-year-old Japanese player reached the semi-final of the China Open, but she needed treatment on her back during her 6-4, 6-4 defeat to Anastasija Sevastova on Saturday.

After the match she revealed that she had been playing through the pain and won’t be taking part in the Hong Kong event.

“I am really disappointed not to be able to compete at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open this year,” she said.

“I really enjoyed playing in Hong Kong last year and was looking forward to stepping onto court at Victoria Park again.

“Unfortunately, I have been playing through pain in my back this whole week and the doctors have advised me that I need to rest to ensure the injury is not further aggravated and become more serious.

“However I am really excited to be coming to Hong Kong to engage with the fans and visit one of my favourite cities, and hope to be back playing at PHKTO in 2019.”

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