World number Naomi Osaka pulls out of Qatar open due to back injury

World number one Naomi Osaka pulled out of the Qatar Open due to a back injury. Making the announcement, the 21-year-old expressed disappointment over the development and hoped that she would participate in the next edition of the tournament. "I am sorry to have withdrawn from Doha this year as I was looking forward to playing and seeing my fans there," the Australian Open champion said in a statement," WTA quoted Osaka, as saying.

"I wish everyone a great week and hope to see everyone next year," she added. The back pain had caused trouble to Osaka earlier also when she had to miss last year's Hong Kong Open. Meanwhile, Qatar Open is all set to see the participation of players like Simona Halep, Karolina Pliskova, Angelique Kerber, and Kiki Bertens.

(With inputs from agencies.)