Naomi Osaka loses Pan Pacific Open to Slovak teenager Mia Pohankova
Seventh seed Naomi Osaka was knocked out of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo by wild-card entry Mia Pohankova on Thursday.
Slovak wildcard causes upset
Eighteen-year-old Pohankova defeated the former world number one with a score of 6-3 and 7-5. The teenager advanced to the quarter-finals after winning in front of Osaka's home fans. She will face American Alycia Parks in the last eight matches.
Osaka season ends early
The Japanese champion had previously beaten Jasmine Paolini in the first round before this loss. This defeat marked the end of her 2026 campaign after a mixed season. Osaka has recently discussed retirement and questioned how long she would continue playing.
Other matches on Thursday
Alycia Parks also defeated Kimberly Birrell with scores of 6-3 and 6-1 in another round-of-16 match. Leylah Fernandez beat fifth seed Elise Mertens to reach the next stage of the tournament. Top-ranked Elena Rybakina is scheduled to play Yulina Putintseva in a late match.
2 outlets, different leads
-
Sky Sports
Osaka stunned by 18-year-old Pohankova at Pan Pacific Open in Japan
-
Business Recorder
Osaka knocked out in Tokyo by teenager Pohankova in second round
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.