Naomi Osaka succumbs to the pressure as Karolina Pliskova claims Tokyo title

Naomi Osaka’s impressive recent form was broken by Karolina Pliskova in the final of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
Osaka was on a 10-match winning streak – a run that included her incredible US Open success – but slumped to a 6-4 6-4 defeat to the Czech.
She was bidding to become the first home champion in Tokyo since Kimiko Date in 1995, but appeared to wilt under the pressure.
Careless Kei Nishikori dumped out of the Moselle Open semi-finalshttps://t.co/qLzW6v3nhH
— Tennis365 (@T365Official) September 23, 2018
In stark contrast to her ice-cool performances at Flushng Meadows, the Japanese star made a total of 26 unforced errors.
For Pliskova it was some sweet revenge after Osaka defeated her in the final of Indian Wells this year, and she looked close to her brilliant best throughout.
More from Tennis365:
Comment: Novak Djokovic doesn’t just belong in the GOAT debate, he should be leading it
Roger Federer’s agent reveals the incredible sum his client has given to charity
VIDEO: Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and David Goffin playing football tennis
Injuries taking its toll, but too early to talk about Maria Sharapova’s retirement
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios snaps back after being branded “evil” and “a bully” by Stefanos Tsitsipas
The main interview room at Wimbledon was…
-
News
Nick Kyrgios roadshow rumbles on at Wimbledon as he beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in bad-tempered thriller
Nick Kyrgios knocked out Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal sees off Lorenzo Sonego and insists there was nothing ‘spicy’ about net conversation
Rafael Nadal marches on at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek philosophical after her incredible streak ends with Wimbledon exit
Iga Swiatek seeing her glass as half full.
-
Wimbledon
Cameron Norrie on facing Tommy Paul at Wimbledon: ‘Good friends off the court, but it’s going to be a battle’
Norrie takes on his practice partner in the fourth round at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Alize Cornet after snapping Iga Swiatek’s 37-match winning streak: ‘Good wine always ages well’
Alize Cornet is aging like a fine wine as the veteran upset Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Amanda Anisimova sees off Coco Gauff at Wimbledon for ‘most special day of my career’
Gauff failed to make the fourth round on her third appearance at the Championships.
-
Wimbledon
Impressive Alex De Minaur ends Liam Broady’s Wimbledon journey in third round
World No132 joined compatriot Katie Boulter in bowing out on day six of the Championships.
-
Wimbledon
Katie Boulter ’emotionally drained’ as she admits Harmony Tan match was ‘one step too far for me’
It has been an emotional week for Boulter following the death of her grandmother.
-
Wimbledon
Tatjana Maria keeps daughter happy with Wimbledon run, but hopes to help next generation of WTA moms
The mum-of-two beat Maria Sakkari to secure a maiden fourth-round appearance at a major.