"It's an Achilles injury so I need to be careful" - Osaka gives details on withdrawal from Italian Open

Naomi Osaka announced her withdrawal from the Internazionali BNL d'Italia Rome this week due to injury, and took to social media to reveal the extent of her ailment.

The former world number one revealed she is still struggling with the achilles injury she picked up earlier this month. She was due to face Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo in Rome tomorrow — the same opponent who knocked her out of the Madrid Open last time out.

“Unfortunately I’m going to have to withdraw from Rome as the injury which I picked up last week in Madrid hasn’t healed yet,” the four-time Grand Slam winner said. “It’s an Achilles injury so I need to be careful especially in advance of Roland Garros.

“I love this city and always enjoy playing in front of the Italian fans so I will be sorry to miss them — but look forward to coming back next year.”

The 24-year-old made her comeback after a short hiatus at the Melbourne Summer Set in the new year, where she reached the semi-finals. However, she was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to an abdominal injury.

Osaka then injured her ankle during her loss against Sorribes Tormo at the Madrid Open and has not been able to recover in time to compete in Rome.