Osaka knocked out in Tokyo by teenager Pohankova in second round
TOKYO: Former world number one Naomi Osaka suffered a 6-3 7-5 defeat by Slovakian teenager Mia Pohankova in the Pan Pacific Open second round on Thursday. Wildcard Pohankova, who turned this month, advanced to the quarter-finals after upsetting the Japanese former champion and seventh seed in front of Osaka’s home fans. “I am really proud of myself,” Pohankova said. “It is the first time I have…
Former world number one Naomi Osaka was eliminated in the second round of the Pan Pacific Open on Thursday, losing to Slovakian teenager Mia Pohankova 6-3, 7-5. The wildcard Pohankova, who turned 18 this month, advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating the Japanese champion and seventh seed in front of Osaka’s home crowd. Pohankova expressed pride in her performance, calling it the first time she faced such a tough opponent and feeling "really, really good."
Osaka, 29, had started her season with a straight-sets win over Jasmine Paolini but could not capitalize on that result. The defeat marked a challenging season for the four-time Grand Slam champion, who has faced consistency issues and even contemplated retirement. Pohankova will now face American Alycia Parks in the last eight.
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