The Pan Pacific Open in Japan produced a major upset on Thursday as Naomi Osaka was officially knocked out of the tournament by teenager Mia Pohankova. Osaka, who entered the event seeded No 7, saw her campaign brought to an end despite playing before her home fans in Japan.
The defeat marks a significant moment at the Pan Pacific Open, bringing an early conclusion to Osaka's tournament run. Entering the competition as the No 7 seed, Osaka held a prominent position in the field and carried the support of the home fans in Japan as she took to the court on Thursday, but she was unable to advance any further in the event.
Instead of a victory for the seeded home competitor, it was teenager Mia Pohankova who secured the result of the day. Pohankova managed to defeat and knock out the No 7 seed on Thursday, overcoming Osaka in Japan and eliminating the Japanese player directly in front of her home supporters.
Following Thursday's result, the Pan Pacific Open continues without Osaka, leaving the tournament without its seventh-seeded Japanese player before the home fans. For teenager Mia Pohankova, knocking out the No 7 seed ensures that the teenager progresses in the tournament in Japan, while Osaka's home campaign at the Pan Pacific Open is officially brought to an end.