Former world no. 1 Naomi Osaka who won the last edition of the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Japan in 2019 before the event went on a two-year hiatus, advanced to the second round of the 2022 edition of the event on Tuesday. Daria Saville who was Osaka’s opponent suffered an injury to her ankle and found unable to continue despite receiving medical assistance.
At that time one one game had been played in the proceedings. Later, Osaka shared a message to Saville through a video. She said, “I just wanted to wish you the best. I just want to let you know you’re one of the funniest people on the tour, and I still remember all the nice things that you said to me at the French [Open] this year. I want you to know that I’m wishing you the best. I hope that it’s not a major injury at all and you’ll bounce back, because I know that’s what you’re good at.”
Toray Pan Pacific Open: Japan’s hopefuls tumble out
Meanwhile, the Japanese’s next opponent will be the fifth-seeded Beatriz Haddad Maia. The Brazilian won against Japan’s Yuki Nato, 6-4, 6-2.
Another Japanese player, Mai Hontama also exited the home event in the first round. China’s Shuai Zhang defeated Hontama 6-0, 6-3 in merely 57 minutes. Next up for Zhang’s Caroline Garcia, who received a first-round bye as the second seed.
Sixth seed Karolina Pliskova also needed 57 minutes to claim a 6-2, 6-1 win over Bulgarian qualifier, Isabella Shinikova. Pliskova will take on Petra Martic next.
Lastly, Fernanda Contreras Gomez heaped a loss on Sofia Kenin in their opening-round clash. The qualifier from Mexico needed an hour and 47 minutes to clinch a 7-6(7), 6-4 victory. Looking to reach the quarters of the Toray Pan Pacific Open, Contreras Gomez will play Veronika Kudermetova, who’s seeded fourth.