Naomi Osaka stands within two wins of her first WTA title in almost four years at the ASB Classic, clinching a quarterfinal comeback over Hailey Baptiste, 6-7 (2), 6-1, 6-2.
“I think the key focuses that I had were just to have a lot of belief and confidence in myself. I think I put a lot of work in throughout last year even though the results didn’t show it. I think, just continuing to try as hard as I can and seeing where that gets me.”
Seeded seventh in Auckland, the former world No. 1 last held a winner’s trophy at the 2021 Australian Open, where she won her fourth major title. Though she dropped her first set of the week against Baptiste, Osaka executed a near-flawless performance in the final two sets to advance in two hours and two minutes on Stadium Court.
