Naomi Osaka’s promising run at the 2026 National Bank Open came to a disappointing end on Tuesday, after surrendering a commanding lead against World No. 2 Elena Rybakina. Despite looking dominant in the early stages of the quarterfinal clash at Sobeys Stadium, the Japanese fell victim to a stunning comeback, losing 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4. As fans were hoping to see her return ahead of the US Open, she has announced her withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open.
Naomi Osaka Pulls Out of Cincinnati After Canadian Open Setback
Osaka withdrew from the WTA 1000 event, citing fatigue.
“I’m really sad to have to withdraw from Cincinnati this year due to fatigue,” Osaka said in a statement. “I love playing here and am looking forward to coming back and competing in Cincinnati next year.”
This lets Katerina Siniakova, the next player to be seeded, move into Osaka’s position on line 17 of the draw.
The 28-year-old had notable deep runs in her last two tournaments in Washington, D.C., and Toronto. At the DC Open, she reached the semifinals before losing to Alexandra Eala in straight sets.
In the quarterfinals in Canada, Osaka dominated the opening game and won the first set, while Rybakina fell behind by a break twice in the second set and came within two points of losing in the tiebreak. But the 27-year-old dug deeper, fought back, saved four break points at 3-2 in the deciding set, and completed a 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 comeback win in 2 hours and 33 minutes to reach the semifinals.
And it was a tough pill to swallow for the Japanese to have let the early lead slip through her fingers. After losing a crucial service break to the Kazakh in the third set, Osaka put her racket on the court and kicked it in frustration.
The emotional outburst comes after a similar incident from just two weeks ago, when Osaka threw and kicked her racket during a tense three-set quarterfinal victory over Elisabetta Cocciaretto at the Mubadala DC Open.
MORE: Elena Rybakina Discloses the Key After Naomi Osaka’s Frustration Boils Over in Toronto Loss
After giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023, the four-time Grand Slam champion returned to the WTA tour at the start of 2024. Since then, she has been trying to regain her former dominance. Her biggest win after the comeback came in 2025, when she captured the WTA 125 title in Saint-Malo on clay and later reached the semifinals of the 2025 US Open.
Her decision to skip Cincinnati echoes last season, when Osaka withdrew after reaching the Montreal final because of a scheduling change. Osaka will now take some time to rest and prepare for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season, where the two-time champion is expected to compete next.
