This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
October 29, 2019, marks a significant setback for tennis fans as world number three Naomi Osaka withdraws from the WTA Finals in Shenzhen due to a shoulder injury.
Osaka, 22, had a promising start to the tournament, beating Petra Kvitova in three sets in her opening match on Sunday.
However, her participation in the Red Group was cut short as she was due to play world number one Ashleigh Barty today.
Osaka expressed her disappointment at the timing of her withdrawal, stating, "I'm disappointed to have to withdraw. This is not how I wanted to end this tournament or my season,"
She also expressed her hope to return to the tournament next year, saying, "I look forward to getting healthy and hope to be back here in Shenzhen next year."
The WTA Finals, which features the world's top eight players competing in two round-robin groups of four, has a record total prize fund of £10.8m.
Osaka's withdrawal has paved the way for alternate Kiki Bertens, the world number 10, to join the Red Group.
