Naomi Osaka upset by 144th-ranked Mia Pohankova at Pan Pacific Open

Naomi Osaka crashed out of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Thursday, losing in the second round in straight sets 6-3, 7-5 to Mia Pohankova, a wild card from Slovakia who turned 18 last week.

Osaka started brightly by winning the first two games, but could only take one of the next seven as Pohankova wrested control of the contest.

In a nervy second set, Osaka played to deuce in each of Pohankova’s first three service games but was unable to gain the advantage. She had a break point at 3-3 before Pohankova recovered with an ace.

Both players held serve in the set until 5-6, when Pohankova earned a match point and won when Osaka’s forehand went long.

For Pohankova, ranked No. 144 in the world, it was the biggest win of her career. 

“I think this is like a dream,” she said. “I’m really very happy.”