ZCZC
BSP-03
TENNIS-WTA-HKG-OSAKA-JPN
Osaka pulls out of Hong Kong Open with back injury
HONG KONG, Oct 7, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – US Open champion Naomi Osaka has pulled
out of this week’s Hong Kong Open to prevent aggravating a slight back
injury, organisers said on Sunday.
The Japanese star required treatment to her lower back during her semi-
final defeat to unseeded Anastasija Sevastova at the China Open in Beijing on
Saturday.
Afterwards, Osaka, who turns 21 on October 16, said it was more a case of
fatigue than anything more serious, but suggested that she may not make the
WTA Hong Kong Open, which starts on Monday.
“Unfortunately, I have been playing through pain in my back this whole
week,” the world number six said in a subsequent statement released by
organisers.
“The doctors have advised me that I need to rest to ensure the injury is
not further aggravated and become more serious.”
One player who does appear set to play in Hong Kong is China’s Wang Qiang,
who is in the form of her life.
Wang was well beaten by world number two Caroline Wozniacki in the China
Open semi-finals, going down 6-1, 6-3, and has been carrying a thigh injury.
“I’ll try my best because I will definitely face the same situation in the
future,” the 28th-ranked Wang said, asked if she would compete in Hong Kong.
“I cannot give up easily.”
BSS/AFP/MSY/0956 hrs