American baptiste

Former World No: Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka moved 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 on Friday.

Osaka survived two brief rain interruptions during the match before closing out rising American Baptiste after 2 hours and 2 minutes of play.

The Japanese sailed into her first tour-level semifinal since she returned from maternity leave 12 months ago. The last time she made the final four or better at a WTA event was her runner-up finish at 2022 Miami, where she lost to Iga Swiatek. She made two quarterfinals last year (Doha and 's-Hertogenbosch).