By Daily Sports on August 18, 2019

World number one Naomi Osaka will “probably” defend her U.S. Open title, even if it means defying her doctor’s orders, she said after retiring from the Cincinnati Masters with a knee injury on Friday.

Osaka was trailing American Sofia Kenin in the third set of their quarter-final in Cincinnati when she sought treatment on her heavily-strapped left knee.

After briefly returning to play, the Japanese star retired with Kenin leading 6-4 1-6 2-0.

Osaka’s withdrawal comes after Serena Williams, the woman she beat in a tumultuous final at Flushing Meadows last year, pulled out of Cincinnati with back problems.

The injury has also loosened Osaka’s grip on the top ranking, with world number two Ash Barty poised to reclaim it if the Australian makes the final.

“I really don’t know what’s going on with my leg right now,” Osaka told reporters.

“It sucks, especially since I didn’t want to get injured this close to the Open, and now I’m kind of worried a little bit.

“The thing is, my pain tolerance is really high, so that’s usually why I play through things that apparently I shouldn’t.”

Osaka said she “felt it wasn’t safe” to continue against Kenin ahead of the U.S. Open starting Monday week. (Reuters)

•Photo shows Naomi Osaka

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 18, 2019

Africa Cup of Nations prize money soars to...

Everton Deny Chelsea Top Spot With Lone Goal...

Rashford Speaks To Ex-US President Obama

Man United set to sign Nigerian youngster Olosunde...

Martial Back In Training Ahead Of Liverpool Clash...

Dessers Takes Positives From Nigeria Omission