Auckland: Osaka reaches first WTA semifinal in over 32 months

Naomi Osaka is into her first WTA semifinal in nearly three years after a 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2 quarterfinal victory over Hailey Baptiste at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand on Friday.

Former World No.1 Osaka needed to survive two brief rain interruptions during the match before closing out rising American Baptiste after 2 hours and 2 minutes of play.

“I think the key focuses that I had were just to have a lot of belief and confidence in myself,” Osaka said on court after her win. “I think I put a lot of work in throughout last year, and even though the results didn’t show it, I think I’m just continuing to, I guess, try as hard as I can and see where it gets me.”

Osaka is into her first tour-level semifinal since she returned from maternity leave 12 months ago. The last time Osaka made the final four or better at a WTA event was her runner-up finish at 2022 Miami which was played in April (losing that final to Iga Swiatek). She made two quarterfinals last year (Doha and ‘s-Hertogenbosch).

“[Baptiste is] an amazing player,” Osaka said. “It sucks that she was injured, but I think we played a really high-quality match, and in a weird way I’m glad to have played a three-set match because I think that’s kind of the experience I need.”

Osaka, who booked her spot in a final four for the first time since giving birth to daughter Shai in 2023, will next face Alycia Parks or No 8 seed Katie Volynets.