Osaka vows to return stronger after Tokyo exit

Former world number one Naomi Osaka said she would "keep attempting" to get back to her Grand Slam-winning best after her season ended with a second-round exit in Japan on Thursday.

The four-time Grand Slam champion lost 6-3, 7-5 to Slovakian 18-year-old Mia Pohankova, ranked 144 in the world, at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

Osaka has not won a title this year and has not reached a Grand Slam final since she returned to tennis after a 15-month break following the birth of her daughter Shai in 2023.

The 29-year-old, now ranked 18 in the world, said she was "at peace" with herself and feeling good about her game.

"Obviously when I play a Slam, it's in my mind to challenge for it," she said.

"Unfortunately I haven't been in that position yet, and I'm going to keep attempting it.

"But if you're asking me how I think my tennis is, I think it's pretty good."

Osaka was appearing at the Pan Pacific Open for the first time in four years.

She came out onto the court wearing a red kimono-style gown with a long frilly train.

She said she chose the colour as a contrast to the blue crane-pattern outfit she wore in her opening match this week.

Osaka said she had more outfits lined up for the Tokyo crowd but "unfortunately" would not have a chance to wear them after exiting the tournament.

Osaka is known for grabbing headlines with her flamboyant custom-made outfits.

She channelled NBA fashion trailblazer Allen Iverson at the US Open and wore an audacious "jellyfish-inspired" outfit in Australia.

She also drew on her Japanese heritage with a kimono-inspired white dress at Wimbledon.

"There are so many things that go on in my mind, and it was just a creative outlet," she said.

"All the other sports are allowed to do that, and tennis is more subdued and restrained."