Eighteen-year-old Mia Pohankova secured the biggest victory of her career on Tuesday, defeating former world number one Naomi Osaka 6-3, 7-5 in the second round of the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
Pohankova Advances to WTA 500 Quarterfinals
Competing on a wildcard at the WTA 500 hard-court tournament, the 144th-ranked Slovakian needed one hour and 35 minutes to eliminate the seventh-seeded Osaka. Pohankova capitalized on her first serve, winning 74 percent of those points and limiting the 29-year-old Osaka to a single break of serve throughout the match.
🚨 UPSET IN TOKYO!18-year-old Mia Pohankova takes down Naomi Osaka 6-3, 7-5 to reach her first WTA quarterfinal at the Toray Pan Pacific Open!A huge breakthrough for the young Slovak, while Osaka's campaign comes to an end…#TorayPPO #NaomiOsaka #MiaPohankova #WTA #Tennis pic.twitter.com/XqHwNTLJRe
Pohankova converted four of her break-point opportunities on return to close out the straight-sets win. The result marks her first career victory against a player ranked inside the top 20.
“It’s a very good feeling,” Pohankova said in her post-match press conference. “Her matches were something I watched a lot when I was younger. Standing on the same court with her is truly a wonderful sensation. I just tried to stay focused on every single point and give my absolute best. That is why I managed to win.”
Building Momentum in Tokyo
The teenager’s run in Tokyo began in the opening round with a victory over qualifier and 87th-ranked T. Valentová of the Czech Republic. Tuesday’s win over Osaka elevates Pohankova into the quarterfinals of a WTA 500 event for the first time.
Reflecting on the milestone, Pohankova acknowledged the caliber of her opponent. “Beating a top-20 player is a first for me,” she said. “Because she is a former world number one and a Grand Slam champion, this victory means more than anything else I’ve achieved. It is truly an amazing win for me.”
Quarterfinal Matchup Against Parks
In the quarterfinals, Pohankova will face qualifier and 65th-ranked A. Parks of the United States. Parks advanced to the last eight by defeating lucky loser Kimberly Birrell of Australia, who held a world ranking of 41.
