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
PTI to stage nationwide protests against alleged electoral frauds
Senate continues discussion on Presidential address to Joint Sitting of Parliame ..
Masood Khan calls for Pak-US cooperation for regional peace
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
More Stories From Sports
-
Spanish football federation appoints Rocha as president
26 minutes ago -
Father, son killed in firing
4 hours ago -
Victor Boniface: Leverkusen boss Alonso makes you 'up your game'
8 hours ago -
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
12 hours ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
17 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
19 hours ago
-
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
21 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
21 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
21 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
20 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
21 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
20 hours ago