Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis has progressed to the fourth round at Melbourne Park following the withdrawal of four-time major champion Naomi Osaka from the tournament. Osaka, a two-time Australian Open winner, cited a physical issue for her withdrawal just hours before her scheduled match on Saturday night.
Inglis, competing in her first Grand Slam main draw in four years, has reached the round of 16 for the first time. She is now set to face World No.2 Iga Swiatek in the fourth round on Monday, making her one of the two remaining Australians in the competition. By advancing to the fourth round, Inglis is guaranteed a prize of $480,000.
With Osaka’s exit, Inglis, one of the two qualifiers to reach the last 32, will not have to play on Saturday night. Osaka had attracted global attention for her unique entrance at the tournament, wearing a distinctive white wide-brimmed hat and ruffled white pants inspired by nature and designed to resemble a jellyfish. The 28-year-old’s grand entrance was meticulously planned and executed, drawing admiration from both fashion and tennis enthusiasts.
