A difficult period continues for Naomi Osaka: the Japanese had a short affair at the tournament in Toronto, she had to withdraw during the match of the first round of the “WTA 1000” competition.

Naomi OsakaPhoto: Christopher Katsarov/CP/ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, retired with back pain as Kaia Kanepi (31 WTA) led 7-6(4), 3-0.

“I had a back pain from the start of the match and despite my best efforts I couldn’t overcome it. I would like to congratulate Kaya on her good performance and wish her all the best for the rest of the tournament.” – said Osakawith tears in his eyes.

After losing in the final of the “WTA 1000” tournament in Miami to Poland’s Iga Sviatek (early April), Osaka played only six matches, having 2 wins and 4 losses. The athlete from Japan ranks 39th in the world ranking.

In the second round of the National Bank Open, Kanepi (a finalist in Washington) will meet with the Iberian Garbiñe Muguruza (the 8th favorite).

The US Open, which Osaka won in 2018 and 2020, will be held this year from August 29 to September 11.

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