'I'm not done yet': Maddison Inglis fires warning as she processes 'life-changing' prizemoney from shock Osaka withdrawal
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Maddison Inglis admits she's "still in shock" after being handed a dream opportunity to play in the Australian Open round of 16 due to Naomi Osaka's shock withdrawal.
The news developed after Osaka posted to her Instagram, revealing the shock call.
"I've had to make the difficult decision to withdraw to address something my body needs attention for after my last match," she wrote.
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"I was so excited to keep going and this run meant the most to me, so having to stop here breaks my heart but I can't risk doing any further damage so I can get back on the court."
Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates a point. Getty
"Thanks for all the love and support ... I'm so grateful to everyone (who) embraced me so much.
"And thank you to my whole team as always for having my back and the tournaments organisers for being so kind."
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Osaka's round two victory against Sorana Cîrstea came in three sets and ended controversially with a frosty handshake exchange.
The Japan representative did take a medical timeout during that match and it's now been revealed the reason is a left abdominal problem.
Inglis and Osaka both prepared to play after Novak Djokovic's third round clash on Rod Laver Arena but news came through during the first set that they wouldn't be playing.
Maddison Inglis speaks to Nine. Nine
"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. I was told during the match that she's injured.
"I'm still in shock. Hopefully she's OK and recovers quickly."
Cameras inside the players' sheds showed Osaka warming up and stretching on a swiss ball before she and her trainer packed away their equipment.
"This was the moment inside where she's doing warm ups and says 'nope', packs the ball away and says 'I don't think I can do it'," Woodbridge observed.
Osaka was then spotted departing from the player concierge transportation area.
The bombshell call means Inglis is the first Australian woman to move through to the round of 16 since Ash Barty in 2022.
"Huge for Maddie, a massive opportunity in terms of ranking points to set up her year," Todd Woodbridge said on Nine's coverage.
Maddison Inglis of Australia shows emotion after her victory against Laura Siegemund. Getty
Inglis came into the AO as world No.168 and has had an inspirational run after winning all three of her qualifier matches. She now pockets $450,000 in prize money for making the fourth round.
Inglis described the financial benefit as "life-changing".
She defeated fellow Aussie Kimberly Birrell 7-6(6), 6-7(9), 6-4 in the first round before winning against German Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-6(10-7).
Inglis' career best ranking is 112 and she now nears that after the walkover which pushes her closer to the main draw of the upcoming grand slams.
"That's massive, it's not something I was thinking about even a week ago ... someone told me I am close to my career high and I'm not done yet, we'll see what I can finish this tournament at," she said.
"To start the year like this, I couldn't be happier, I'm excited."
Inglis will play Iga Swiatek in the fourth round.
Swiatek didn't find out until after her win against Anna Kalinskaya and wished Osaka well before making a plea to the Australian crowd.
"Guys, hopefully you're not going to be so harsh for me playing an Australian," she smiled.
"There's a lot of Polish flags here so please make it even."
