Osaka overcomes Baptiste in three-set battle to reach first WTA semi-final since 2022

Former world number one Naomi Osaka advanced to her first semi-final since 2022 after a determined performance at the Auckland Classic on Friday.

The four-time Grand Slam champion triumphed over unseeded American Hailey Baptiste with a score of 6-7 (2), 6-1, 6-2, marking a significant boost in confidence ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Osaka expressed that her dedication was beginning to yield results, as she secured a spot in the final four of a WTA event for the first time since the Miami Open in April 2022.

The Japanese star welcomed her daughter Shai in July of the following year, during a 15-month hiatus, before making her return to the tour a year ago.

"I invested a lot of effort throughout last year, and although the outcomes did not reflect it, I am committed to continuing my hard work to see where it leads me," stated Osaka, currently ranked 57th.

"My primary focus today was to maintain belief and confidence in myself."

Similar to her previous matches in Auckland, the 27-year-old struggled to find her rhythm in the opening set.

However, she showcased a formidable serving game in the subsequent two sets, finishing with nine aces, bringing her total to 21 for the tournament.

World number 92 Baptiste received treatment for an ankle injury during the second set.

Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, acknowledged that this situation played to her advantage.

"She is an exceptional player, and it is unfortunate that she was injured, but I believe we delivered a high-quality match," remarked Osaka, who is seeded seventh in Auckland.

"In a peculiar way, I am pleased to have played a three-set match, as I think that is the type of experience I require."

Osaka's opponent in the semi-final will be determined by the outcome of a quarter-final match later on Friday between eighth seed Katie Volynets and unseeded American Alycia Parks.