Four-time Grand Slam champion facing MRI scan on injury with Australian Open chances in doubt

The Australian Open is drawing ever closer, with some players facing a race against time to be fit for the first major of 2025.

One of those players suffering with injuries is Nick Kyrgios, who has revealed that both his wrist and an abdominal tear are causing him problems.

The Australian had spent 18 months on the injury sidelines prior to returning at the Brisbane International, where Kyrgios played both singles and doubles with Novak Djokovic.

There were also multiple retirements during the first week of the 2025 season, including both Naomi Osaka and Reilly Opelka retiring from their respective finals in Auckland and Brisbane.

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Naomi Osaka feeling optimistic about playing the Australian Open despite MRI scan

Osaka reached a final before the Australian Open for the first time in Auckland, in what was her first WTA final since giving birth to daughter, Shai.

The four-time Grand Slam champion had impressed at the tournament in New Zealand, with Osaka showcasing what new coach Patrick Mouratoglou has implemented into her game during the off-season.

Despite leading the Auckland final against Clara Tauson by a set, Osaka was forced to retire from the match due to an abdominal injury.

With her retirement coming just a week before the Australian Open, Osaka has provided ESPN with an update about her injury as she faces a race against time to be fit for the Grand Slam tournament.

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“I’m having an MRI today to assess,” said Osaka. “I don’t feel that it’s too serious and I still feel very optimistic about AO [Australian Open].”

Naomi Osaka’s record at the Australian Open

Osaka is a two-time Australian Open champion, but has not surpassed the fourth round in her six other appearances in Melbourne.

Last year saw Osaka suffer her only first round defeat at the Australian Open, losing to 16th seed Caroline Garcia in her return to Grand Slam tennis.

Year Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open Result 2016 Lost in the third round to Victoria Azarenka (14), 6-1 6-1 2017 Lost in the second round to Johanna Konta (9), 6-4 6-2 2018 Lost in the fourth round to Simona Halep (1), 6-3 6-2 2019 Won the title after beating Petra Kvitova (8) in the final, 7-6(2) 5-7 6-4 2020 Lost in the third round to Coco Gauff, 6-3 6-4 2021 Won the title after beating Jennifer Brady (22) in the final, 6-4 6-3 2022 Lost in the third round to Amanda Anisimova, 4-6 6-3 7-6(5) 2023 Did not play due to pregnancy 2024 Lost in the first round to Caroline Garcia (16), 6-4 7-6(2)

Currently ranked at world number 50, Osaka will be unseeded at the Australian Open and could face anyone from Aryna Sabalenka in the first round.

The Australian Open draw will take place on Thursday January 9 at 2:30pm local time.

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