Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka withdrew from this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships alongside the reigning Dubai champion Barbora Krejcikova. 

“We regret to inform you that Barbora Krejcikova and Naomi Osaka have pulled out of this year’s tournament. We wish both players the best of luck for the rest of the 2024 season and look forward to seeing both players return to Dubai in the near future,” an official statement read.

“I’m really sorry that I have to withdraw from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this season,” Osaka said regarding her absence from this year’s competition. “I have loved playing in Dubai in previous years, and I want to wish the tournament organizers a successful event in 2024.”

Krejcikova will sit out this year’s event due to an ongoing back issue.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce my withdrawal from the Dubai tournament,” Krejcikova said. “This decision wasn’t easy, especially given my fond memories and anticipation to compete again. However, my back injury requires further healing time. But I am committed to returning stronger next year.”

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship is owned and organized by Dubai Duty Free and held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.