Naomi Osaka looks to claim her first title since returning from maternity leave after storming past Elina Svitolina at the Canadian Open. Image: Getty Images.
(The Post News)– Naomi Osaka is one step closer to her first WTA title since 2021 after a dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over 10th seed Elina Svitolina at the Canadian Open on Tuesday.
The four-time Grand Slam champion looked sharp and confident in the 68-minute quarterfinal, sealing a spot in Wednesday’s semifinal against Denmark’s Clara Tauson. Osaka said she’s enjoying herself on court again and is especially excited to be in the running for a seeding at the US Open.
Tauson, meanwhile, has been playing inspired tennis, dedicating her emotional 6-1, 6-4 win over Madison Keys to her grandfather, who passed away just two days after she upset Iga Swiatek. The 22-year-old Dane has now knocked out two top-10 players in the same tournament for the first time in her career.
Tauson and Osaka last met in January’s Auckland Open final, where Osaka had to retire mid-match due to injury. This time, Osaka says she’s fit and fired up for the rematch.
Also in the mix are 2022 Wimbledon champ Elena Rybakina and home favorite Victoria Mboko, who will face off in the other semi-final.
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