Maddison Inglis has revealed she shared the court with Naomi Osaka during a warm-up hit before what was supposed to be their third-round clash at the Australian Open on Saturday night. And the Aussie qualifier admitted she was still in “shock” after Osaka abruptly withdrew from the tournament.
A two-time champion at the Australian Open, Osaka pulled out of the match against Inglis just hours before it was due to start. The Japanese star revealed she picked up an abdominal injury during her win over Sorana Cirstea in the second round.
Maddison Inglis shared the court with Naomi Osaka (L) before the two-time champion withdrew from the Australian Open (R). Image: Channel 9
The withdrawal sent Inglis into the fourth round without the Aussie having to step onto court, taking her winnings from $328,000 to $480,000 without breaking a sweat. Channel 9 showed extraordinary vision of Osaka abruptly ending a warm-up drill in the locker-room in which she appeared to be trying to stretch her abdominal.
Moments later she was spotted leaving Melbourne Park as she headed for the exit. Speaking to Channel 9, Inglis said she had no indication that Osaka was inured when they had a practice hit side-by-side before the scheduled match.
Naomi Osaka abruptly aborted a warm-up drill and withdrew from the Australian Open. Image: Channel 9
The Aussie said it sparked some chaos behind the scenes as she tried to figure out what had occurred. “It was a bit unexpected … I was super excited to get out on Rod Laver Arena and I had a hit out there and was sharing the court with her,” Inglis said.
“I didn’t notice anything (in warm-ups). I thought we were going out there after Novak (Djokovic). I was told during the match that she’s injured. I’m still in shock. Hopefully she’s OK and recovers quickly.”
Maddison Inglis scores ‘life-changing’ $480,000 payday
Inglis described the $480,000 payday as “life-changing”, especially considering she hadn’t even played at grand slam level for four years. The 28-year-old had to win three matches in qualifying just to make the main draw in Melbourne, and has never been ranked inside the top 100.
“It’s honestly unbelievable. It’s like a dream,” Inglis said of her fairytale run. “That money is life-changing. When I saw that first round qualifying was $40,000, I thought that’s amazing.”
Maddison Inglis is into the fourth round of the Australian Open.
(Darrian Traynor via Getty Images)
Inglis will face the daunting task of taking on World No.2 Iga Swiatak in the round of 16. “I haven’t watched (Inglis’s matches) but I saw from the scores … she likes playing here as well,” Swiatek said after beating Anna Kalinskaya to advance.
“It’s exciting to be in a fourth round again. Hopefully you’re not going to be so harsh on me, playing an Australian. A lot of Polish flags here, so please make it even.”