Disaster for the Australian Open as one of the world's top players pulls out at the last minute - and Naomi Osaka breaks down in tears and releases cryptic statement
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Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova has pulled out of the Australian Open with a back injury, while concerns mount for tennis stars Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek. The Czech world No.10 first sustained the injury during last year's Asian swing and seemed hindered at the season-ending WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia in November.
![[The Czech world No.10 says she still hasn't recovered from a back injury]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/06/02/93769723-14253289-The_Czech_world_No_10_says_she_still_hasn_t_recovered_from_a_bac-a-44_1736130439250.jpg)
'I wanted to share a quick update regarding my withdrawal from the Australian Open,' Krejcikova posted on X. 'Unfortunately, my back injury, which troubled me at the end of last season, is still not fully healed. 'It's disappointing because I love playing in Melbourne and have such great memories from reaching the quarter-finals last year ... I'm working hard to get back to full health.
![[Naomi Osaka was in tears after suffering an abdominal injury while playing the final of a WTA tournament in Auckland]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/06/02/93769843-14253289-Naomi_Osaka_was_in_tears_after_suffering_an_abdominal_injury_whi-a-45_1736130439251.jpg)
'I can't wait to see you on the court soon.'. Wimbledon champ Barbora Krejcikova has withdrawn from the Australian Open. The Czech world No.10 says she still hasn't recovered from a back injury. Two-time Open champion Naomi Osaka is also in doubt after pulling out of Sunday's Auckland Classic final with an abdominal strain.
![[Iga Swiatek has dispelled fears she may not be fit for the Australian Open after needing a medical timeout during her match]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/06/02/93769861-14253289-Iga_Swiatek_has_dispelled_fears_she_may_not_be_fit_for_the_Austr-a-46_1736130439497.jpg)
Osaka had just won the first set against Clara Tauson before quitting in obvious distress. She later released a statement on Instagram, posting: 'I've come to the conclusion that what's meant for me is meant for me and maybe certain situations occur to train my mind for what's to come.
![[Swiatek will be the women's second seed at the Australian Open ahead of Coco Gauff]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/06/02/93769895-14253289-Swiatek_will_be_the_women_s_second_seed_at_the_Australian_Open_a-a-47_1736130439498.jpg)
'Maybe there's bigger and better things on my path and I just have to continue the journey to encounter them...'. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek has dispelled fears she may not be fit for the Australian Open, the world No.2 declaring herself on track for the season-opening grand slam in Melbourne.
