Toronto Open: Naomi Osaka Retires Opener with Back Pain
With the US Open quickly approaching, Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, withdrew from her opening match at the WTA Toronto Masters on Tuesday due to lower back soreness.
When Osaka quit with a 7-6 (7/4), 3-0 deficit, Kaia Kanepi of Estonia progressed. The Japanese standout, Kanepi, who finished second last week in Washington, required 71 minutes on the court because she broke three times.
37-year-old Kanepi prevailed in their lone previous encounter at the US Open five years ago in three sets.
.@naomiosaka is receiving a medical timeout down 4-3 in the first set against @KaiaKanepi.#NBO22 pic.twitter.com/2jE2SWKj6A
— National Bank Open (@NBOtoronto) August 9, 2022
Since losing to world number one Iga Swiatek in the Miami final in early April, Osaka has only participated in six matches and has a 2-4 record.
