auckland
Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka reached her first WTA semifinal in nearly three years after a 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2 quarterfinal win over Hailey Baptiste at the ASB Classic on Friday. Osaka endured two rain interruptions during the match and eliminated rising American Baptist after 2 hours and 2 minutes of play.
The Japanese player reached her first tour-level semi-final since returning from maternity leave 12 months ago. The last time she reached the last four or better at a WTA event, she was the runner-up at the 2022 Miami, where she lost to Iga Swiatek. She made two quarterfinals last year (Doha and ‘s-Hertogenbosch).
“I think my main focus was just having a lot of belief and confidence in myself,” Osaka said on the court after the win. I think I worked very hard throughout the last year, and even though the results didn’t show it, I think I’ll just keep trying, I guess, as hard as I can and see where it takes me. Is.”
Osaka continued her dominance in the final set, with her 10th and final ace of the day leading to her first match point. Osaka booked her place in the final four for the first time since giving birth to daughter Shai in 2023.
