Key Takeaways
- Naomi Osaka defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 7-6(4) in her first appearance at the Tokyo tournament in 4 years.
- Osaka took the court in a custom crane-themed outfit crafted by designer Hana Yagi in honor of Japan and her mother.
- The 7th seed saved 3 set points in the second set to seal her 31st match win of the year.
Dramatic return to Tokyo action
Naomi Osaka made a memorable return to the Toray Pan Pacific Open, capturing an opening-round victory over Jasmine Paolini after 4 years away from the event.
The 4-time Grand Slam champion fought through a tight battle against Paolini, saving 3 set points late in the second set before securing a 6-3, 7-6(4) triumph.
Symbolic walk-on fashion and meaningful tributes
Before hitting a ball, Osaka drew attention with an elaborate crane-themed walk-on outfit designed by Tokyo creator Hana Yagi. The blue-and-white look incorporated embroidered cranes, which represent peace in Japan and serve as a subtle tribute to Osaka’s mother, who comes from Hokkaido.
Osaka, who partnered with Yagi earlier this season at Wimbledon, explained that the piece was deeply tied to the location.
“I think it’s very much inspired by Japan,” Osaka said of the attire.
The former world number 1 added that she wanted to give the local crowd an entertaining experience after her prolonged absence from the tournament.
“It’s just nice to bring a bit of a show here, too,” Osaka noted.
Progressing in the Toray Pan Pacific Open
The triumph pushed Osaka’s season match record to 31-12. Seeded 7th in the draw, she moves on to face Slovakian wild card Mia Pohankova in the second round, while top seed Elena Rybakina prepares to play Yulia Putintseva.
Tournament results board
Below are recent results recorded across tournament play in Tokyo and other tour events:
| Tournament | Round | Winner | Runner-up / Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WTA Tokyo | Round of 16 | A. Eala | T. Gibson | 6-4, 6-2 |
| WTA Tokyo | Round of 16 | D. Shnaider | A. Sasnovich | 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 |
| WTA Tokyo | Round of 16 | M. Joint | C. Bucsa | 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 |
| WTA Tokyo | Round of 16 | K. Rakhimova | E. Alexandrova | 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(5) |
| WTA Guangzhou | Round of 16 | H. Shi | D. Yastremska | 7-5, 6-4 |
| WTA Guangzhou | Round of 16 | H. Dart | J. Tjen | 6-2, 3-4, 6-3 |
| WTA Guangzhou | Round of 16 | P. Badosa | S. Kraus | 6-1, 6-4 |
| WTA Guangzhou | Round of 32 | K. Siniakova | L. Tararudee | 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 |
| ATP Basel | Round of 32 | J. Struff | Y. Hanfmann | 6-4, 6-3 |
| ATP Basel | Round of 32 | D. Shapovalov | R. Bertola | 6-4, 1-1 ret. |
| ATP Vienna | Round of 32 | G. Dimitrov | F. Cobolli | 6-4, 6-3 |
Jasmine Paolini in 2026
Ranked no.35, the Italian played her last match on the 27th of October when she was overcome by world no.18 Naomi Osaka 6-3 7-6(4) in the 1st round in Tokyo (draw).
Presently, during this year the Italian has managed to achieve a 22-19 record.
