Naomi Osaka Withdraws, Kiki Bertens Enters Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen

(October 29, 2019) Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen due to a right shoulder injury. Alternate Kiki Bertens will replace Osaka for all remaining matches and will take the court at 6:30pm Tuesday to play Ashleigh Barty.

“I’m disappointed to have to withdraw from the Finals,” Osaka said. “It has been a great event in Shenzhen, and it’s the biggest WTA event of the year. This is not how I wanted to end this tournament or my season. I look forward to getting healthy and hope to be back here in Shenzhen next year.”

As an alternate, Bertens may advance to the semifinals. The final round robin group standings are determined by the greatest number of match wins followed by the greatest number of matches played. Therefore, if Bertens were to finish with an equal number of match wins but fewer matches played, the other player would advance.