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
-
Australian Open‘Sadness and turmoil’ take its toll on Bianca Andreescu as she opts to skip Australian Open
Bianca Andreescu to take extra time off “to re-set, recover, and grow”.
-
Australian OpenBig hint that world No 1 Novak Djokovic will compete at the 2022 Australian Open
Novak Djokovic included in Serbia’s squad for the ATP Cup.
-
Tennis NewsAnother huge award handed to Emma Raducanu after breakthrough year
Raducanu has been named BT Sport Action Woman of the Year.
-
Tennis News‘Proud’ Ashleigh Barty recalls overcoming difficult 2021 as she prepares for new season
Ashleigh Barty looks back on the tough 2021 season.
-
Tennis NewsITF chief supports women’s rights but won’t suspend tournaments in China over Peng Shuai case
ITF to continue with tournaments in China despite Peng Shuai case.
-
Davis CupDavis Cup format gets another tweak, but ITF stays mum over Abu Dhabi as possible venue for final
Next year’s edition of the historic competition will be held across five countries.
-
Tennis NewsGreat Britain and Serbia confirmed for 2022 Davis Cup Finals as they are handed wildcards
Britain lost in the quarter-finals and Serbia in the semi-finals.
-
Tennis NewsEmma Raducanu: The US Open champion’s homecoming movie must get real
Tim Ellis pleads for patience and pragmatism with Emma Raducanu.
-
Australian OpenNovak Djokovic keeps Australian Open cards close to his chest, saying ‘you will know very soon’
Will he or won’t he take part in the 2022 Australian Open?
-
Tennis NewsGlory for Medvedev and Rublev as they seal dominant victory for Russia in Davis Cup final
Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev secured Davis Cup victory over Croatia in the final in Madrid.