Former world number one Naomi Osaka has ended her season with a second-round exit at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, losing 6-3, 7-5 to Slovakian 18-year-old Mia Pohankova, ranked 144 in the world. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has not won a title this year and has not reached a Grand Slam final since her return to tennis after a 15-month break following the birth of her daughter Shai in 2023.
The 29-year-old Osaka, now ranked 18 in the world, expressed her determination to return stronger, stating she would "keep attempting" to get back to her Grand Slam-winning best. Despite her recent struggles, Osaka said she was "at peace" with herself and feeling good about her game. Her exit from the Pan Pacific Open marks a challenging season for the Japanese tennis star.
Osaka's loss to Pohankova was a significant upset, with the Slovakian youngster breaking her opponent three times to take the first set and maintaining momentum to win the match. Pohankova, who grew up watching Osaka, hit seven aces during the match. Osaka acknowledged the difficulty of playing someone she knew little about, drawing on her own experiences as a young player.
The Japanese tennis star made a stylish entrance onto the court, wearing a red kimono-style gown with a long frilly train. Osaka is known for her flamboyant custom-made outfits, which often grab headlines. She explained that her fashion choices serve as a creative outlet, allowing her to express herself in a sport she feels is often subdued and restrained.
Osaka's performance at the Pan Pacific Open was closely watched, as it marked her first appearance at the tournament in four years. Despite her exit, Osaka expressed gratitude for the experience and hinted at more stylish outfits to come. However, she will not have the opportunity to wear them in the tournament, as her run has come to an end.
In other matches at the Pan Pacific Open, Canada's Leylah Fernandez progressed to the quarter-finals after beating number five seed Elise Mertens of Belgium 6-2, 7-6 (10/8). The tournament continues to unfold, with various players vying for a spot in the finals.
As Osaka looks to the future, she remains focused on challenging for Grand Slam titles. While she has not been in that position yet, she is determined to keep working towards it. With her current ranking and form, Osaka is expected to remain a contender in the tennis world, and fans will be watching closely to see her next move.
Key points
- Osaka lost to 18-year-old Mia Pohankova, ranked 144 in the world.
- Osaka has not won a title this year and has not reached a Grand Slam final since 2023.
- Osaka aims to return stronger and challenge for Grand Slam titles in the future.
