Naomi Osaka Vows to Return Stronger After Disappointing Tokyo Exit to Rising Star Pohankova

Former world number one Naomi Osaka expressed her commitment to regaining her Grand Slam-winning form after her season concluded with a second-round defeat at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Thursday. The four-time Grand Slam champion lost to 18-year-old Slovakian Mia Pohankova, currently ranked 144th in the world, with a score of 6-3, 7-5.

Osaka has not secured a title this year and has not reached a Grand Slam final since her return to tennis following a 15-month break after the birth of her daughter, Shai, in 2023. Despite her current world ranking of 18, the 29-year-old stated she is "at peace" with her game and feels positive about her current level of play.

"Obviously when I play a slam, it’s in my mind to challenge for it," Osaka 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."

This marked Osaka's first appearance at the Pan Pacific Open in four years. She made a striking entrance onto the court in a red kimono-style gown with a long, frilly train, explaining the color choice as a contrast to her blue crane-patterned outfit from her opening match. Osaka mentioned having more outfits prepared for the Tokyo crowd but would not have the opportunity to wear them following her tournament exit.

Osaka, renowned for her distinctive custom-made outfits that often generate headlines, has previously drawn inspiration from NBA fashion icon Allen Iverson at the US Open and sported an eye-catching "jellyfish-inspired" ensemble in Australia. She has also paid homage to 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," Osaka commented on her fashion choices. "All the other sports are allowed to do that, and tennis is more subdued and restrained."

Although Osaka began the match with an ace, former junior Wimbledon champion Pohankova quickly shifted the momentum. The Slovak player, who grew up watching Osaka, managed to break her opponent's serve three times to clinch the first set and maintained her strong performance to win the match. Pohankova served seven aces, and Osaka acknowledged the difficulty of facing an opponent she was unfamiliar with: "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. I guess age catches up to you eventually."

In other tournament news, Canada's Leylah Fernandez advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Belgium's number five seed Elise Mertens 6-2, 7-6 (10/8).