TOKYO: Former world number one Naomi Osaka has vowed to keep working towards her Grand Slam-winning form after her season ended with a second-round defeat at the Pan Pacific Open on Thursday.
The four-time Grand Slam champion lost 6-3, 7-5 to Slovakia’s 18-year-old Mia Pohankova, who is ranked 144th in the world.
Osaka has not won a title this year and has yet to reach a Grand Slam final since returning to tennis following a 15-month break after the birth of her daughter, Shai, in 2023.
Confident in Her Game
The 29-year-old, currently ranked 18th in the world, said she was at peace with herself and felt positive about her tennis.
“Obviously when I play a Slam, it’s in my mind to challenge for it,” she said.
“Unfortunately I haven’t been in that position yet, and I’m going to keep attempting it. But if you’re asking me how I think my tennis is, I think it’s pretty good.”
Making a Fashion Statement
Osaka was competing at the Pan Pacific Open for the first time in four years. She attracted attention before the match by arriving on court in a red kimono-style gown featuring a long, frilly train.
She said she chose red to contrast with the blue outfit decorated with crane patterns that she wore in her opening match.
The Japanese star revealed that she had planned more outfits for the Tokyo crowd but would not have the opportunity to wear them after her early exit.
Osaka has frequently made headlines for her custom-designed tennis outfits. She channelled basketball fashion pioneer Allen Iverson at the US Open and wore a bold, jellyfish-inspired outfit in Australia. She also celebrated her Japanese heritage with a kimono-inspired white dress at Wimbledon.
“There are so many things that go on in my mind, and it was just a creative outlet,” she said.
“All the other sports are allowed to do that, and tennis is more subdued and restrained.”
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Pohankova Claims Upset
Osaka began the match with an ace, but Pohankova quickly gained control. The former junior Wimbledon champion broke Osaka three times to take the opening set before maintaining her momentum to secure victory.
Pohankova, who said she grew up watching Osaka, struck seven aces during the match.
Osaka admitted that facing an unfamiliar opponent presented a challenge.
“It is a little difficult, but I also remember when I was in her position and I was playing players that I watched on TV,” Osaka said.
“I guess age catches up to you eventually.”
Fernandez Reaches Quarters
Elsewhere at the tournament, Canada’s Leylah Fernandez advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Belgium’s fifth seed Elise Mertens 6-2, 7-6 (10/8).
