Naomi Osaka wins ‘special’ home title in Osaka as she ends trophy drought

WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka

Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka ended her title drought as she won her home title, the Pan Pacific Open, in Osaka.

The Japanese player secured a straightforward 6-2, 6-3 victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to win only her second title of the 2019 season.

Her only other trophy of the year was the Australian Open at the start of the year.

Osaka finished runner-up in the 2017 and 2018 editions, but it was a case of third time lucky for the 21-year-old.

“I have played finals here. This is my third time. So I am really glad that I was able to win, and for it to be in the city where I was born makes it really special,” the world No 4, who has had a difficult year, said.

“I think my serves have been doing really well the last two matches

She added: “I think that definitely helped me out especially today since she (Pavlyuchenkova) is such a great returner.”

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Naomi Osaka

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