TOKYO (AP) — In an exciting turn of events at the Pan Pacific Open, the top-ranked Elena Rybakina clinched her position as the year-end No. 1 following a commanding last-16 victory, while fan-favorite Naomi Osaka faced an unexpected defeat on home soil.
Rybakina showcased her dominance by defeating Yulia Putintseva with a score of 6-2, 6-3, earning her spot in the quarterfinals. This triumph solidifies her status as world No. 1 after an incredible year in which she captured titles at both the Australian Open and the U.S. Open.
Having already claimed victory at Wimbledon in 2022, Rybakina, a talented 27-year-old who was born in Russia but competes for Kazakhstan, is now just one French Open title away from achieving the prestigious career Grand Slam.
In a surprising twist, former No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka fell to Slovakian rising star Mia Pohankova, who took the match 6-3, 7-5 in a stunning upset.
Pohankova, a wild-card entrant who just celebrated her 18th birthday last week, previously triumphed as the 2025 junior singles champion at Wimbledon and will face Alycia Parks next.
Osaka had entered the match on a high note, having secured a win against Jasmine Paolini in the opening round in Tokyo.
In another thrilling round-of-16 clash, Canada’s Leylah Fernandez claimed victory over No. 14 Elise Mertens with a score of 6-2, 7-6 (8).
Meanwhile, second-seeded Maja Chwalinska and Belinda Bencic had to withdraw from the tournament due to injuries, with Chwalinska struggling with a left thigh issue and Bencic suffering from a right ankle injury.
