Australian Open: Belinda Bencic’s special gesture for Naomi Osaka – Get well soon mama
Belinda Bencic made a heartfelt gesture after Naomi Osaka retired midway from her Round 3 match of the women’s singles on Friday, January 17 at the Australian Open 2024. After losing the first set 6-7 (3-7), Osaka failed to continue despite being treated by the physiotherapist. After getting the walkover and making her way through to the pre-quarters, Bencic signed the camera with a message, “Get well soon mama”.
Osaka has climbed the rankings and is currently the World No.51, making her way up since returning to the court last year after embracing motherhood. Bencic, who also became a parent last year in April with daughter Bella, wished Osaka luck for the remainder of the season.
“At this moment, I really feel for Naomi. I saw her struggling a bit at the end of the set. It’s not the way you’d like the match to end. It was a good match. Hopefully she’ll be fine soon and can play well for the rest of the season,” Bencic said in the on-court interview.
Naomi Osaka struggles with injury
Osaka has had his fair share of tussles with injuries this year. Earlier this month, Osaka pulled out midway from the final of the ASB Classic against Clara Tauson. She faced problems with her abdomen and also underwent an MRI scan. Although she recovered in time for the Australian Open, she failed to stay fit for the entirety of the hard court major.
As far as Bencic is concerned, she will next be up against former US Open champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round. On Friday, Gauff knocked out ex-US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez with a 6-4, 6-2 victory at the Margaret Court Arena. Bencic has never gone beyond the pre-quarters at Melbourne Park, having also played in 2016 and 2023.
