Japanese Fourth Seed Osaka Battles Into Open Quarters
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published January 21, 2019 | 10:39 AM
Japanese fourth seed Naomi Osaka edged past 13th seed Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia in three sets Monday to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals
Melbourne, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jan, 2019 ) :Japanese fourth seed Naomi Osaka edged past 13th seed Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia in three sets Monday to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals.
The US Open champion triumphed 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to set up a last eight clash with Ukrainian sixth seed Elina Svitolina and keep alive her dream of a second successive Grand Slam title.
It is the second time in a row the 21-year-old had been forced to come back from a set down after struggling to overcome Taiwan's Hsieh Su-Wei in the previous round.
"I didn't give up, she was playing really well and I wasn't really sure what to do at a certain point but I just tried to stick in there," she said after downing Sevastova.
"I was thinking I've been in this position before -- actually it was a little bit worse last time." Osaka had to compose herself at times on court against the dogged Sevastova, who went into the match with a 2-2 record against the 21-year-old.
Osaka beat the Latvian in a tight three-setter at the quarter-finals of the Sydney International this month and Sevastova appeared intent on exacting revenge on the Grand Slam stage.
The 28-year-old broke early in the opening set, holding on to the advantage to maintain pressure on her younger opponent.
Osaka buried her head in her hands and mumbled to herself as she served to stay in the set at 5-3.
She managed to hold but could not prevent Sevastova serving the set out at 6-4 in 31 minutes.
With her shot at a second Grand Slam on the line, Osaka was much improved in the second set, cutting her error rate and hitting 18 winners to five.
She managed to force a deciding set, making the perfect start with a break over Sevastova.
Shaking off the Latvian proved a difficult task though, as Sevastova put the set back on level terms at 3-3 after bringing up six break points.
Osaka managed a crucial break back in the next game and held on for victory.
Recent Stories
Govt committed to developing gems, jewellery sector: Minister
Three new bills introduced in Senate
Nine dead, 1,318 injured in Punjab road accidents
Ukraine, Russia exchange fire, at least seven dead
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
Joint venture decided for action against MEPCO’s defaulters
Modern irrigation system imperative to deal with water scarcity: UAF VC
Bringing 4.4mln hectares suitable land under olive cultivation to address econom ..
One woman died after speedy bus overturned
155 killed in Tanzania as heavy rains lash East Africa
Parliament committed to resolve public issues on priority basis: Ghulam Mustafa
Collaborative Care of Diabetes Centre inaugurated in Faisalabad
More Stories From Sports
-
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
59 minutes ago -
Usain Bolt named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
1 hour ago -
Wapda Inter-Unit Kabaddi Tournament to start from April 28
57 minutes ago -
Zone-VI Whites qualify for final in cricket tournament
2 hours ago -
Int’l tennis player Hamza receives cash award incentive for outstanding performance
3 hours ago -
Chief Minister KP to open Inter-Madrasa, Special Games on April 30
3 hours ago
-
Bisma Maroof retires from all cricket
57 minutes ago -
IOC Refugees Olympic Team to be announced on May 2
4 hours ago -
Bismah Maroof announces immediate retirement from international cricket
6 hours ago -
Norman sees Adelaide success as blueprint for all LIV Golf events
6 hours ago -
Mohsin Naqvi reconstitutes women’s selection committee
7 hours ago -
T20 World Cup 2024 Trophy on Pakistan tour
56 minutes ago