Tokyo: Japan’s Naomi Osaka pulverised Slovak Dominika Cibulkova 6-2, 6-1 to reach the Pan Pacific Open quarter-finals on Wednesday in her first match since her historic US Open triumph.
The 20-year-old, who stunned Serena Williams to become Japan’s first grand slam singles champion earlier this month, fired down 10 aces in a fearsome display of tennis in Tokyo.
A dazed Cibulkova had no answer to Osaka’s firepower as the world No. 7 wrapped up a comfortable victory with a ferocious cross-court backhand after just 59 minutes.
“I didn’t really feel any pressure,” said Osaka, who reached the Tokyo final in 2016.
“It was really difficult because she’s such a great player but I just thought it was more fun.
“My serve was really good,” added Japan’s latest sporting celebrity. “I’m just grateful to be able to play here again.”
Earlier, sixth seed Garbine Muguruza was upset by American qualifier Alison Riske 6-1, 6-2 in an abject performance from the Spanish former world No. 1, who looked a shadow of the player who captured the 2016 French Open and 2017 Wimbledon titles.
— AFP
