Naomi Osaka Pulls Out Of WTA Finals

Naomi Osaka, who plays tennis for Japan, is ranked number three in the world. Unfortunately, she won't be able to defend this title in the WTA Finals as she's been forced to pull out due to a shoulder injury.

The 22-year-old tennis star beat Petra Kvitova in three sets during her opening match at the Shiseido WTA Finals in Shenzhen, China on October 27th. She was due to play Ashleigh Barty, ranked number one in the world, on October 29th.

"I'm disappointed to have to withdraw. This is not how I wanted to end this tournament or my season," said Osaka. "I look forward to getting healthy and hope to be back here in Shenzhen next year."

She said she first started feeling the shoulder issue during her win at the China Open final on October 6th. She had only just started serving the "last two days" before her match against Kvitova.

"I felt it immediately," Osaka said. "When I woke up the day after [facing Kvitova], it was throbbing."

She will be replaced by Kiki Bertens, number 10 in the world, in the Red Group for the Finals.