Naomi Osaka injures left knee, US Open defense in doubt

By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Naomi Osaka’s world number one spot could be in danger after she suffered a left knee injury which forced her to retire due to intense pain in a match against American Sofia Kenin.

The Japanese player is also in doubt if she can defend her US Open title, as the prized tourney is fast approaching.

If Australian Ashleigh Barty wins her semifinal encounter, she could overtake Osaka and claim the number one spot.

“I really don’t know what’s going on with my leg right now. I was asking the trainer if it was safe to play, because I really hate withdrawing. I went out there, I wanted to finish the set. But I felt this, like it wasn’t safe.” Osaka stated when asked about her left knee injury.

After she felt the pain, her knee was heavily packed as she went back to the court and played one more game.

“My pain tolerance is really high, that’s usually why I play through things that apparently I shouldn’t,” Osaka added.