Naomi Osaka withdraws from Australian Open as two-time champion’s absence from tennis continues

Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open, it has been confirmed.

The 25-year-old's presence in Melbourne for the first Grand Slam of 2023 was already unlikely, but her absence has officially been revealed.

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"Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open. We will miss her at #AO2023," a tweet from the tournament said.

Osaka was the champion in 2019 and 2021, but will not be adding to that in 2023 and no explanation has yet been given for her withdrawal.

Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska has been promoted to the main draw in her place.

Osaka's ranking has slipped to 47 and she has not played since September after withdrawing during the second round in Tokyo.

She lost in the first rounds of the French Open and US Open in 2022, while also did not play at Wimbledon.

Osaka's struggles with mental health have been well documented, revealing that she has battled anxiety and depression for a number of years.

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Her withdrawal will be another blow for the Australian Open with a number of big names already out.

Since last year's tournament, Ash Barty, Roger Federer and Serena Williams have all retired.

Men's world number one Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out due to an injury.