The Australian Open recently saw significant developments, including a high-profile withdrawal and intense competition leading into the semi-finals.
Naomi Osaka's withdrawal due to injury allowed Maddison Inglis to advance, only to be subsequently defeated by Iga Swiatek.
The tournament has now established the matchups for the women's and men's singles semifinals after a series of compelling matches.
Naomi Osaka's Withdrawal
Naomi Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion (2019, 2021) and the 16th seed for the tournament, announced her withdrawal before her scheduled third-round match against Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis. The former world No. 1 cited a recurring left abdominal issue as the reason for her departure.
Osaka reported having played her second-round match with pain, which then intensified during her warm-up for the third-round encounter. She indicated that further medical tests would be necessary. Osaka also noted that her body had undergone changes following the birth of her daughter in July 2023, preceding her return to competition in 2024.
Earlier in the tournament, Osaka had secured a victory against Sorana Cirstea with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in the second round. Her initial appearance in the first round garnered attention for her distinctive attire, which included a wide-brim hat, veil, and white parasol.
Following Osaka's withdrawal, Maddison Inglis advanced directly to the fourth round. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek publicly conveyed well wishes to Osaka. Tournament officials subsequently rescheduled a men's doubles match to occupy the vacant evening slot on Rod Laver Arena.
Fourth Round Results
The Australian Open's fourth round determined the players advancing to the quarter-finals:
Women's Singles
- Iga Swiatek (second seed) decisively defeated Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis with a score of 6-0, 6-3.
- Elena Rybakina (fifth seed) secured a comprehensive win against 21st seed Elise Mertens, 6-1, 6-3.
- Amanda Anisimova defeated China’s Wang Xinyu in a tight contest, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4.
- Jessica Pegula (sixth seed) progressed after defeating fellow American Madison Keys, 6-3, 6-4.
Men's Singles
- Jannik Sinner (World No.2) defeated his compatriot Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), securing his spot.
- Lorenzo Musetti (fifth seed) secured his quarter-final spot by defeating American Taylor Fritz 6-2, 7-5, 6-4.
In the doubles events, Nick Kyrgios exited the tournament after losses in both the mixed doubles and men’s doubles categories.
Quarterfinal Matchups and Results
The quarterfinal stage set the path for the semifinals, with notable results in both men's and women's singles:
Women's Singles
- Elena Rybakina (fifth seed) delivered a significant upset, defeating Iga Swiatek (second seed) 7-5, 6-1.
- This victory advanced Rybakina, a 2023 Australian Open finalist, to her fourth Grand Slam semi-final.
- Rybakina demonstrated exceptional form, winning 93% of her first serve points in the first set of the match.
- Following the match, Swiatek indicated plans to make changes to her game and adjust her schedule.
- Jessica Pegula (sixth seed) defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-6 (1).
- Pegula reached her third Grand Slam semi-final without dropping a set across five matches in the tournament.
These results established a semifinal match between Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula.
Men's Singles
- Novak Djokovic (fourth seed), a 10-time Australian Open champion, was scheduled to compete against Lorenzo Musetti (fifth seed).
- Jannik Sinner (second seed), the defending two-time Australian Open champion, was scheduled to face Ben Shelton (eighth seed). This match was a rematch of a previous January semifinal.