Naomi Osaka Advances to WTA Semifinals for First Time Since 2022 in Auckland Tournament
Naomi Osaka, previously ranked number one globally, clinched her first semi-final in nearly three years at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand following a comeback victory against unseeded Hailey Baptiste. The scoreline read 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2 in favor of Osaka on Friday.
As the seventh seed in Auckland, Osaka began shakily, lacking groove in the opening set. However, she swiftly turned the tables, delivering an impressive display in the subsequent sets with a dominating serving game. She capped off the match with nine aces, elevating her tournament total to 21.
Despite facing two brief rain interruptions during the game, Osaka secured her win over Baptiste, an up-and-coming American star, after a two-hour and two-minute battle.
In the semi-finals of the WTA 250 tournament, serving as a warm-up for the Australian Open starting on January 12, Osaka will square off against either eighth-seed Katie Volynets or unseeded American Alycia Parks.
After the match, Osaka shared her thoughts on her on-court interview, acknowledging the faith and self-confidence she maintained throughout her journey, despite the results not demonstrating progress.
The last semi-final or better for Osaka was achieved at the Miami Open in 2022, where she came in second, losing to Iga Swiatek in the final.
The ASB Classic semi-final on Saturday will see Osaka return to her first tour-level semifinal since her resumption after a 15-month maternity leave, which began in January 2024. This came after she gave birth to her daughter Shai.
Baptiste, ranked 92nd, sought medical treatment for an ankle injury during the second set of the quarter-final match. Osaka acknowledged that the injury played a role in her advantage.
"She's a fantastic player," Osaka complimented Baptiste.
“It’s unfortunate that she was injured, but I think we played an exceptional match. In a peculiar way, I’m glad to have played a three-set format as it provides the experience I need.”
With two more victories, Osaka could secure her first title since the 2021 Australian Open, marking her fourth major title. She previously won the Australian Open in 2019 and secured victories at the U.S. Open in 2018 and 2020.
Since her return from maternity, Osaka has grappled with consistency. Prior to the Auckland tournament, she hinted at retirement if her expectations weren’t met.
“I don't envision myself lingering about,” Osaka informed reporters.
“I have immense respect for my peers on the tour, but if I'm below a specific ranking, I don't foresee myself playing for an extended period. I'd rather invest time with my daughter if I'm not at a level that I deem suitable for myself.”
The ASB Classic in Auckland was Osaka's first tournament since October, having sustained a back injury during her Round of 16 bout with Coco Gauff at the China Open.
In 2022, Osaka reached two WTA quarter-finals at the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha and the WTA 250 event in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.
Naomi Osaka's semi-final victory against Hailey Baptiste at the ASB Classic was her first live match win in nearly three years.Fire up your streams and watch Naomi Osaka live as she plays in the semi-finals of the WTA 250 tournament in Auckland.Naomi Osaka's impressive display against Baptiste was highlighted by her dominating serving game, which saw her hit nine aces.After her victory over Baptiste, Osaka will face either Katie Volynets or Alycia Parks in the semi-finals, a warm-up for the Australian Open starting on January 12.Despite taking a medical timeout for an ankle injury during their quarter-final match, Baptiste put up a strong fight against Osaka, who acknowledged the role the injury played in her advantage.
