Naomi Osaka turned the court into a runway in Tokyo, while veteran Venus Williams faced a stunning first‑round exit in Guangzhou.
Key points
- Osaka’s kimono‑inspired outfit drew attention as she delivered a straight‑sets win on home soil.
- Venus Williams’ loss to teenager Lilli Tagger highlights the growing depth of the WTA Tour.
- The 28‑year age difference in the Guangzhou match may set a new record for opponent age gaps on the tour.
Naomi Osaka combined fashion and form at the Pan Pacific Open, entering the court in a blue‑and‑white crane‑embroidered kimono‑inspired outfit before dispatching Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6‑3, 7‑6 (4) in a match that lasted one hour and 37 minutes, according to Sky Sports.
The seventh seed saved three consecutive set points in the second set and fired seven aces to Paolini’s single ace, sealing the win in the tiebreak. Osaka said she wanted to “bring a bit of a show” to the event and expressed gratitude for working again with designer Hana Yagi, who also created her Wimbledon attire.
Osaka's runway‑ready victory in Tokyo
Returning to Tokyo for the first time in four years, Osaka avenged her only previous meeting with Paolini, a loss at the Miami Open last year, and will meet Mia Pohankova in the second round of the WTA 500 tournament.
In Guangzhou, 46‑year‑old Venus Williams, now ranked No. 599, suffered a 6‑2, 6‑2 first‑round defeat to 18‑year‑old Austrian Lilli Tagger, marking Williams’ 0‑13 singles record for the year, Sky Sports reports. The 28‑year age gap between the opponents is believed to be a record for a WTA match.
Williams' surprising defeat in Guangzhou
Tagger, born in 2008—the year Williams won her final Grand Slam title—created four of the 16 break points she earned, while Williams was unable to generate any. Tagger said she was “super excited and a bit nervous” and respects Williams, noting a past connection through former coach Francesca Schiavone.
Reader questions
What outfit did Naomi Osaka wear during her Tokyo match?
She entered the court in a blue‑and‑white, crane‑embroidered kimono‑inspired ensemble designed by Hana Yagi, according to Sky Sports.
Who defeated Venus Williams at the Guangzhou Open?
18‑year‑old Lilli Tagger beat Williams 6‑2, 6‑2 in the opening round, as reported by Sky Sports.
When did Osaka last play in Tokyo before this tournament?
Osaka returned to Tokyo for the first time in four years, per Sky Sports coverage.
Source: skysports.com
