Wham-bam as Japan's Osaka roars into Tokyo quarters

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 wham-bam tennis in Tokyo.

Osaka came out firing and ripped a fizzing forehand down the line on the first point, the third seed powering away to close out the first set with a pair of thundering aces.

A dazed Cibulkova had no answer to Osaka's firepower as the world number seven 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."
"I tried to stay positive and even though I broke my racquet I tried to keep fighting because you always have a chance."