Naomi Osaka Withdraws From WTA Finals

Japanese tennis player, Naomi Osaka, has announced withdrawal from the on-going WTA Finals in Shenzhen, China over a shoulder injury.

The world number three was set to play against Australian veteran Ashleigh Barty in her second-round match on Tuesday that could have been their fifth ATP head-to-head series. She will now be replaced by Kiki Bertens.

"I'm disappointed to have to withdraw," the Australian Open champion said. "This is not how I wanted to end this tournament or my season."

In the Opening round, Naomi battled through three sets 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-4 to outclass Czech player Petra Kvitova and set up a match against Barty which she has withdrawn from.

She looks forward to recovering from the injury and get "healthy" soon and hopes to be participating in the tournament next season.

The 22-year-old won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open 2018, beating 23-Grand Slam holder, Serena William in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. She went on to win her second Gram Slam at the Australian Open early this year.