Osaka Knocked Out by 18-Year-Old Pohankova at Tournament

Japan's host player Naomi Osaka was eliminated in the round of 16 of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, losing 6:3 and 7:5 to Slovakian young player Mia Pohankova. Seeded seventh, Osaka left the court defeated in front of her own crowd.

Pohankova turned 18 a week ago and entered the tournament on a wild card. The 2025 Wimbledon junior singles champion surprised Osaka, who had knocked out Jasmine Paolini in the first round, and reached the quarterfinals.

In other matches of the day, Parks beat Kimberly Birrell 6:3 and 6:1. Leylah Fernandez defeated fifth seed Elise Mertens 6:2 and 7:6 (8:6) to reach the quarterfinals.

World No. 1 Elena Rybakina will face Yulina Putintseva late in the evening. Both were born in Russia but represent Kazakhstan.

Earlier, second seed Maja Chwalinska withdrew from the tournament due to a left thigh injury, while fourth seed Belinda Bencic withdrew due to a right ankle injury.