Naomi Osaka’s journey at the Japan Open came to an unexpected halt on Friday, as she was forced to withdraw from her quarterfinal match due to a left leg injury. The decision meant that Jaqueline Cristian advanced to the semifinals via walkover, according to the WTA Tour.
Osaka, who was the top seed in the tournament, had been struggling with the ailment that first surfaced late in her second-round encounter. Prior to facing this setback, she had achieved victories against Wakana Sonobe and reigning 2024 champion Suzan Lamens. In her match against Lamens, after a competitive rally, Osaka appeared to face difficulties during gameplay, particularly during a crucial moment in the third set where she held a commanding 5-0 lead. Despite winning the point, she quickly requested a medical timeout after confronting pain in her left leg.
Returning to the court with her thigh wrapped, Osaka fought through the discomfort but was ultimately able to secure her victory on her third match point. However, the toll from her recent performances was evident, as she had already exited in the second round of the China Open and faced a similar fate at the Wuhan Open just prior.
In another notable quarterfinal match, 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez showcased her skills by defeating Rebecca Šramková in straight sets, with a score of 7-6 (2), 6-3, securing her place in the semifinals. This win highlighted Fernandez’s continued resilience and determination as she progresses through the tournament.
As the Japan Open moves forward, fans will be eager to see how Cristian performs in the semifinals, as it marks her third appearance at this stage in 2025 and her first on a surface outside of clay. The tournament continues to unfold amidst rising tensions and impressive talent, leaving enthusiasts excited for the upcoming matches.
