Breaking | Naomi Osaka pulls out of Hong Kong Open with back injury sustained in Beijing
US Open champion will still travel to Hong Kong to meet fans at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium after playing through the pain at China Open
The US Open champion was set to be the star name at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium next week, but has withdrawn from the field after hurting her lower back before her first match at the China Open in Beijing.
The 20-year-old from Japan played with the injury throughout the week but called for treatment during her 6-4, 6-4 semi-final defeat by Anastasija Sevastova at the National Tennis Centre, raising fears she might not be able to compete in Hong Kong.
And with her debut WTA Finals coming up later this month, Osaka has taken the necessary precautions to ensure she is in top shape for Singapore. But despite the injury, the world number six will still travel to Hong Kong to meet local fans at the tournament.
“I am really disappointed not to be able to compete at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open this year,” Osaka said.