Naomi Osaka, the former World No. 1, advanced to her first WTA semifinal in nearly three years after a hard-fought victory over Hailey Baptiste at the ASB Classic on Friday.
The match, which lasted over two hours, saw Osaka triumph 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2, despite rain delays and strong competition from her American opponent.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Osaka, who has been striving to regain her top form since her return from maternity leave. The Japanese star’s last semifinal appearance was in 2022 at the Miami Open, where she finished as the runner-up to Iga Swiatek.
Despite reaching two quarterfinals last year, this semifinal berth signals a return to competitive prominence for the four-time Grand Slam champion.
Reflecting on her performance, Osaka highlighted the importance of self-belief and perseverance.
She acknowledged the hard work she put in last year, even though it did not yield immediate results. On court after her victory, she emphasised her determination to keep pushing and improving.
Facing Baptiste, who was competing in her first WTA quarterfinal, Osaka showcased resilience. The first set was a close contest, with Baptiste securing it in a tiebreak thanks to her aggressive play and 17 winners.
However, Osaka quickly turned the tide in the second set, breaking Baptiste’s serve three times. A medical time-out for Baptiste further tilted the momentum in Osaka’s favour.
In the deciding set, Osaka displayed dominance, sealing the match with her 10th ace and securing her place in the final four. This accomplishment also holds personal significance, as it is her first semifinal appearance since becoming a mother to her daughter Shai in 2023.
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