US&nbsp;Open champion Naomi Osaka completed another comeback victory to overhaul 13th seed Anastasija Sevastova 4-6 6-3 6-4 and reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday.

The Japanese fourth seed, who had to fight back from a set down against Hsieh Su-Wei in her previous match, was far from her best as she struggled to hold serve and berated herself regularly during the sun-bathed clash at Rod Laver Arena.

She held firm when it counted, however, breaking Sevastova in the seventh game of the decider before sealing the match after one hour and 47 minutes with an imperious forehand down the line.

Osaka will play sixth seed Elina Svitolina for a place in the semi-finals.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka completed another comeback victory to overhaul 13th seed Anastasija Sevastova 4-6 6-3 6-4 and reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka completed another comeback victory to overhaul 13th seed Anastasija Sevastova 4-6 6-3 6-4 and reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday. The Japanese fourth seed, who had to fight back from a set down against Hsieh Su-Wei in her previous match, was far from her best as she struggled to hold serve and berated herself regularly during the sun-bathed clash at Rod Laver Arena. She held firm when it counted, however, breaking Sevastova in the seventh game of the decider before sealing the match after one hour and 47 minutes with an imperious forehand down the line. Osaka will play sixth seed Elina Svitolina for a place in the semi-finals.

Australian Open: All over for 13th seed Sevastova as Naomi Osaka reaches quarters

US&nbsp;Open champion Naomi Osaka survived a huge scare against Hsieh Su-wei before overhauling the Taiwanese 5-7 6-4 6-1 to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open on Saturday.

The Japanese fourth seed was staring down the barrel at 4-2 in the second set at Margaret Court Arena, driven to distraction by double-sided Hsieh's angled shots and stout defence.

When Hsieh's serve suddenly crumbled, however, Osaka was quick to pounce and went on to claim 10 of the last 11 games, closing out the match in just under two hours.

"Of course I'm happy with how I fought," Osaka told reporters after booking her second last 16 appearance in Melbourne after last year's run.

"For me, that's, like, one of the biggest things I always thought I could improve, because it sort of seems like before I would accept defeat in a way."

She will play 13th seeded Latvian Anastasija Sevastova for a first quarter-finals berth at Melbourne Park.

UNORTHODOX GAME

Osaka will hope to erase the Hsieh match from mind by then, having been hopelessly outpointed for the best part of two sets by a player whose unorthodox game regularly troubles the Tour's top names.

She was broken three times in the first set and pounded her racket into the court in frustration during the sixth game after falling 0-40 behind.

The 21-year-old saved two set points in the first stanza, with a blazing forehand down the line and an ace, but fell on the third when Hsieh hammered a strong return that Osaka could only parry long.

Furious with herself, Osaka threw her racket in disgust to earn a code violation and promptly dropped serve again to trail 2-0 in the second.

Firing baseline rockets wide and long, Osaka appeared clueless as to how to stop the rot and resorted to drop shots and moon balls to try to throw Hsieh off her game.

None of it worked.

"I tried doing things that I know isn't necessarily my game, like I was trying to hit higher balls," she said. "I don't even practise doing that. So it felt like such a waste.

"Then after a while, I just started thinking that I'm in a Grand Slam. I shouldn't be sad, I'm playing against a really great player, so I should just enjoy my time and try and put all my energy into doing the best that I can on every point."

Hsieh moved calmly to 4-2 before suffering a quick and inexplicable loss of serving power.

At 40-0 and needing only one good serve to reach 5-2, the 33-year-old could barely clear the net and Osaka leaped on the short balls, winning five points in succession to break back.

Hsieh admitted she had frozen with nerves.

"I was doing pretty well until the second set. I became, 'OK, I'm leading, I'm leading'," said Hsieh, wrapping her hands round her throat in a choking gesture.

From there on it was a procession, as Osaka found her range and racked up 41 winners on the way to a galvanising victory.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka survived a huge scare against Hsieh Su-wei before overhauling the Taiwanese 5-7 6-4 6-1 to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open on Saturday.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka survived a huge scare against Hsieh Su-wei before overhauling the Taiwanese 5-7 6-4 6-1 to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open on Saturday. The Japanese fourth seed was staring down the barrel at 4-2 in the second set at Margaret Court Arena, driven to distraction by double-sided Hsieh's angled shots and stout defence. When Hsieh's serve suddenly crumbled, however, Osaka was quick to pounce and went on to claim 10 of the last 11 games, closing out the match in just under two hours. "Of course I'm happy with how I fought," Osaka told reporters after booking her second last 16 appearance in Melbourne after last year's run. "For me, that's, like, one of the biggest things I always thought I could improve, because it sort of seems like before I would accept defeat in a way." She will play 13th seeded Latvian Anastasija Sevastova for a first quarter-finals berth at Melbourne Park. UNORTHODOX GAME Osaka will hope to erase the Hsieh match from mind by then, having been hopelessly outpointed for the best part of two sets by a player whose unorthodox game regularly troubles the Tour's top names. She was broken three times in the first set and pounded her racket into the court in frustration during the sixth game after falling 0-40 behind. The 21-year-old saved two set points in the first stanza, with a blazing forehand down the line and an ace, but fell on the third when Hsieh hammered a strong return that Osaka could only parry long. Furious with herself, Osaka threw her racket in disgust to earn a code violation and promptly dropped serve again to trail 2-0 in the second. Firing baseline rockets wide and long, Osaka appeared clueless as to how to stop the rot and resorted to drop shots and moon balls to try to throw Hsieh off her game. None of it worked. "I tried doing things that I know isn't necessarily my game, like I was trying to hit higher balls," she said. "I don't even practise doing that. So it felt like such a waste. "Then after a while, I just started thinking that I'm in a Grand Slam. I shouldn't be sad, I'm playing against a really great player, so I should just enjoy my time and try and put all my energy into doing the best that I can on every point." Hsieh moved calmly to 4-2 before suffering a quick and inexplicable loss of serving power. At 40-0 and needing only one good serve to reach 5-2, the 33-year-old could barely clear the net and Osaka leaped on the short balls, winning five points in succession to break back. Hsieh admitted she had frozen with nerves. "I was doing pretty well until the second set. I became, 'OK, I'm leading, I'm leading'," said Hsieh, wrapping her hands round her throat in a choking gesture. From there on it was a procession, as Osaka found her range and racked up 41 winners on the way to a galvanising victory.

Naomi Osaka survives Hsieh scare to reach Australian Open fourth round

The US&nbsp;Open champion Naomi Osaka eased through to the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday with a dominant 6-2, 6-4 win over unseeded Slovenian Tamara Zidansek.&nbsp;

The Japanese number one took a tablet from a trainer when leading 2-1 in the second set and then dropped serve to trail 4-2, handing 78th-ranked Zidansek hope of making a game of it at Margaret Court Arena.&nbsp;

However, fourth seed Osaka ramped up her power game to break back immediately and roared through the next three games before closing the match with a fierce second serve.&nbsp;

Osaka will play Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei for a place in the fourth round.&nbsp;

The US Open champion Naomi Osaka eased through to the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday with a dominant 6-2, 6-4 win over unseeded Slovenian Tamara Zidansek.

The US Open champion Naomi Osaka eased through to the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday with a dominant 6-2, 6-4 win over unseeded Slovenian Tamara Zidansek. The Japanese number one took a tablet from a trainer when leading 2-1 in the second set and then dropped serve to trail 4-2, handing 78th-ranked Zidansek hope of making a game of it at Margaret Court Arena. However, fourth seed Osaka ramped up her power game to break back immediately and roared through the next three games before closing the match with a fierce second serve. Osaka will play Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei for a place in the fourth round.

Australian Open: Naomi Osaka through to third round

In pics: Highlights of Day 4 of the Australian Open

Japan's Naomi Osaka clubbed her way into the Australian Open second round by beating Poland's Magda Linette 6-4 6-2 late on Tuesday.

It was Osaka's first Grand Slam match since her breakthrough US&nbsp;Open triumph last year, which was partly overshadowed by a row between her final opponent Serena Williams and umpire Carlos Ramos.

Osaka's heavy ball striking makes it very difficult for opponents to trade blows with her.

"For me, I'm aware of people saying anyone in the top 10 can be No. 1 right now - but for me, that's not really my goal," Osaka, the fourth seed, told reporters.

"I just want to play well in this tournament."

Linette tried to mitigate her rival's power by standing up near the baseline during rallies to avoid getting pushed too far back.

The tactic worked in part, until the Polish player's error count rose too quickly, such is the risk-reward for such a valiant ploy.

"The balls were really heavy," Linette told Reuters.

"I'm just like 59 kilos, so what can I do?"

Despite possessing more firepower in almost every facet of the game, Osaka's modest-paced second serve allowed her 80th-ranked opponent a strong opening into baseline exchanges.

The two players' average second serve speed was almost identical at around 125 kmh, which is significantly slower than the service speed of Williams, who is the standard bearer.

Osaka will play 21-year-old Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia in the second round.

Japan's Naomi Osaka clubbed her way into the Australian Open second round by beating Poland's Magda Linette 6-4 6-2 late on Tuesday. It was Osaka's first Grand Slam match since her breakthrough US Open triumph last year, which was partly overshadowed by a row between her final opponent Serena Williams and umpire Carlos Ramos.

Japan's Naomi Osaka clubbed her way into the Australian Open second round by beating Poland's Magda Linette 6-4 6-2 late on Tuesday. It was Osaka's first Grand Slam match since her breakthrough US Open triumph last year, which was partly overshadowed by a row between her final opponent Serena Williams and umpire Carlos Ramos. Osaka's heavy ball striking makes it very difficult for opponents to trade blows with her. "For me, I'm aware of people saying anyone in the top 10 can be No. 1 right now - but for me, that's not really my goal," Osaka, the fourth seed, told reporters. "I just want to play well in this tournament." Linette tried to mitigate her rival's power by standing up near the baseline during rallies to avoid getting pushed too far back. The tactic worked in part, until the Polish player's error count rose too quickly, such is the risk-reward for such a valiant ploy. "The balls were really heavy," Linette told Reuters. "I'm just like 59 kilos, so what can I do?" Despite possessing more firepower in almost every facet of the game, Osaka's modest-paced second serve allowed her 80th-ranked opponent a strong opening into baseline exchanges. The two players' average second serve speed was almost identical at around 125 kmh, which is significantly slower than the service speed of Williams, who is the standard bearer. Osaka will play 21-year-old Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia in the second round.

Naomi Osaka clubs her way into Australian Open second round

Reigning US Open champion Naomi Osaka said her poor attitude cost her during her 6-2, 6-4 loss to Lesia Tsurenko in Saturday's Brisbane International semi-finals.

Osaka went into the match as firm favourite but looked flat from the outset as Tsurenko raced through the match in just 65 minutes.

The Japanese star, who burst to prominence with her eventful US Open final win over Serena Williams, made 26 unforced errors and was broken three times in a disappointing display.

She said after the match that she didn't know how to cope once things started to go against her.

"If I'm being really frank, I just feel like I had the worst attitude today," she said.

"I feel like I didn't really know how to cope with not playing well.

"I was sulking a little bit, and like there are moments that I tried not to do that, but then the ball wouldn't go in, and then I would go back to being, like, childish and stuff.

"I feel like last year I did a lot of that," she added.

"I'm trying to change it more, and I think I have."

But Osaka said Saturday's loss was probably a better learning experience than if she had made the final.

"I think today I learned... what I can do to improve the situation," she said.

The 29-year-old Tsurenko, who will now rise to a career-high world ranking of 24, said she had adopted a new game plan during the off-season.

"I feel better with my serve and that I am moving well," she said.

"I feel more strong now, so I can kind of handle every kind of pressure on court, even when someone like Naomi is playing really strong.&nbsp;

"I can really stay there and I can be aggressive also."&nbsp;

Tsurenko will play either fifth-seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova or Croatia's Donna Vekic in Sunday's final.

Reigning US Open champion Naomi Osaka said her poor attitude cost her during her 6-2, 6-4 loss to Lesia Tsurenko in Saturday's Brisbane International semi-finals.

Reigning US Open champion Naomi Osaka said her poor attitude cost her during her 6-2, 6-4 loss to Lesia Tsurenko in Saturday's Brisbane International semi-finals. Osaka went into the match as firm favourite but looked flat from the outset as Tsurenko raced through the match in just 65 minutes. The Japanese star, who burst to prominence with her eventful US Open final win over Serena Williams, made 26 unforced errors and was broken three times in a disappointing display. She said after the match that she didn't know how to cope once things started to go against her. "If I'm being really frank, I just feel like I had the worst attitude today," she said. "I feel like I didn't really know how to cope with not playing well. "I was sulking a little bit, and like there are moments that I tried not to do that, but then the ball wouldn't go in, and then I would go back to being, like, childish and stuff. "I feel like last year I did a lot of that," she added. "I'm trying to change it more, and I think I have." But Osaka said Saturday's loss was probably a better learning experience than if she had made the final. "I think today I learned... what I can do to improve the situation," she said. The 29-year-old Tsurenko, who will now rise to a career-high world ranking of 24, said she had adopted a new game plan during the off-season. "I feel better with my serve and that I am moving well," she said. "I feel more strong now, so I can kind of handle every kind of pressure on court, even when someone like Naomi is playing really strong. "I can really stay there and I can be aggressive also." Tsurenko will play either fifth-seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova or Croatia's Donna Vekic in Sunday's final.

Naomi Osaka blames her poor attitude for Brisbane semi-final loss

From Mikaela Shiffrin's dominance to Naomi Osaka's breakthrough, here are 11 great moments from women's sport in 2018

Serena Williams' series of furious vows with the umpire during the US Open final overshadowed the maiden victory of 20-year-old Naomi Osaka.

Never had she thought it would backfire as people criticised Serena for her behaviour.

Months after the incident, Swiss tennis star Roger Federer kept his views, saying Serena 'went too far with her controversial rant'.&nbsp;

"I feel like Serena should have walked away. She did, but she went too far. She should have walked earlier," said Federer.

Serena received a code violation for coaching, a penalty point for racquet abuse and a game penalty for calling the umpire a liar and a thief during her defeat by Osaka.

Nevertheless, the Swiss star did have some sympathy for Serena, adding: "The umpire maybe should not have pushed her there. It's unfortunate, but an incredible case study."

Osaka's 6-2, 6-4 win over Serena quickly became infamous for the American's flare-up during the final.

Serena Williams' series of furious vows with the umpire during the US Open final overshadowed the maiden victory of 20-year-old Naomi Osaka. Never had she thought it would backfire as people criticised Serena for her behaviour.

Serena Williams' series of furious vows with the umpire during the US Open final overshadowed the maiden victory of 20-year-old Naomi Osaka. Never had she thought it would backfire as people criticised Serena for her behaviour. Months after the incident, Swiss tennis star Roger Federer kept his views, saying Serena 'went too far with her controversial rant'. "I feel like Serena should have walked away. She did, but she went too far. She should have walked earlier," said Federer. Serena received a code violation for coaching, a penalty point for racquet abuse and a game penalty for calling the umpire a liar and a thief during her defeat by Osaka. Nevertheless, the Swiss star did have some sympathy for Serena, adding: "The umpire maybe should not have pushed her there. It's unfortunate, but an incredible case study." Osaka's 6-2, 6-4 win over Serena quickly became infamous for the American's flare-up during the final.

'Serena went too far with US Open rant,’ says Roger Federer

A calm Sloane Stephens picked her shots to perfection to pull clear for a 7-5 4-6 6-1 victory over Japan`s Naomi Osaka in a battle between the last two U.S. Open champions at the WTA Finals on Monday.

Both women are making their debuts at the season-ending event, and it was the American who opened Red Group action with a win built on the foundations of solid defence from the baseline and a devastating forehand when she attacked.

"I just competed really well and never gave up," Stephens said in a post-match interview. "I knew I would have to play some really good tennis to beat her, stayed tough and tried to stay as positive as I could and took my opportunities when they presented themselves."

After trading early breaks, the match settled down as the pair enjoyed more success on serve, until Stephens, content to adopt a patient approach from the baseline, broke again in the seventh game when Osaka made a slew of unforced errors.

But Osaka is not one to back down and the 21-year-old Japanese broke straight back to level the contest at 4-4, thanks to some sublime stroke-making aided by a couple of double-faults from her opponent.

After a solid hold from Stephens, Osaka was struggling to contain her emotions as she found the net or went long with her increasingly erratic backhand and the American secured her third break of the match to move a game away from taking the set.

TACTICAL SWITCH

Stephens was growing in confidence as Osaka battled her emotional demons and the American fittingly sealed the opener on her third set point, when the world number four sent another backhand into the net.

Osaka changed her tactics at the start of the second set, finding success by drawing Stephens into the court and away from her baseline comfort zone to hold far more comfortably, but the American used her potent forehand to stay in touch.

Stephens looked the more composed at that stage, but Osaka dug deep and battled back from 15-40 to hold in the fifth game and came out on top of three breaks of serve to send the contest into a decider when the American double-faulted on set point.

The world number six broke immediately at the start of the third set and after Osaka wasted a chance to level things up when she declined to challenge a call that would have been ruled in her favour, Stephens took command of the match.

A pair of easy holds and another break took her to 5-1, and the 2017 U.S. Open winner sealed the contest on her second match point when an anguished Osaka double-faulted for the fourth time in the match.&nbsp;

"We played a really tough and competitive match so its always an honour to share the court with somebody that good," Stephens added.

Red Group play continues on Monday when Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber takes on Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, who was the last player to make it into the eight-woman tournament when world number one Simona Halep withdrew through injury.

A calm Sloane Stephens picked her shots to perfection to pull clear for a 7-5 4-6 6-1 victory over Japan`s Naomi Osaka in a battle between the last two U.S. Open champions at the WTA Finals on Monday.

A calm Sloane Stephens picked her shots to perfection to pull clear for a 7-5 4-6 6-1 victory over Japan`s Naomi Osaka in a battle between the last two U.S. Open champions at the WTA Finals on Monday. Both women are making their debuts at the season-ending event, and it was the American who opened Red Group action with a win built on the foundations of solid defence from the baseline and a devastating forehand when she attacked. "I just competed really well and never gave up," Stephens said in a post-match interview. "I knew I would have to play some really good tennis to beat her, stayed tough and tried to stay as positive as I could and took my opportunities when they presented themselves." After trading early breaks, the match settled down as the pair enjoyed more success on serve, until Stephens, content to adopt a patient approach from the baseline, broke again in the seventh game when Osaka made a slew of unforced errors. But Osaka is not one to back down and the 21-year-old Japanese broke straight back to level the contest at 4-4, thanks to some sublime stroke-making aided by a couple of double-faults from her opponent. After a solid hold from Stephens, Osaka was struggling to contain her emotions as she found the net or went long with her increasingly erratic backhand and the American secured her third break of the match to move a game away from taking the set. TACTICAL SWITCH Stephens was growing in confidence as Osaka battled her emotional demons and the American fittingly sealed the opener on her third set point, when the world number four sent another backhand into the net. Osaka changed her tactics at the start of the second set, finding success by drawing Stephens into the court and away from her baseline comfort zone to hold far more comfortably, but the American used her potent forehand to stay in touch. Stephens looked the more composed at that stage, but Osaka dug deep and battled back from 15-40 to hold in the fifth game and came out on top of three breaks of serve to send the contest into a decider when the American double-faulted on set point. The world number six broke immediately at the start of the third set and after Osaka wasted a chance to level things up when she declined to challenge a call that would have been ruled in her favour, Stephens took command of the match. A pair of easy holds and another break took her to 5-1, and the 2017 U.S. Open winner sealed the contest on her second match point when an anguished Osaka double-faulted for the fourth time in the match. "We played a really tough and competitive match so its always an honour to share the court with somebody that good," Stephens added. Red Group play continues on Monday when Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber takes on Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, who was the last player to make it into the eight-woman tournament when world number one Simona Halep withdrew through injury.

Stephens stays calm to run away from Osaka in Singapore

The coach whose attempts to guide Serena Williams mid-match during this year's US&nbsp;Open final led to her explosive row with the umpire and a code violation en route to defeat, has called for on-court coaching to be permitted.

Patrick Mouratoglou admitted gesturing to Williams from the stands during her match with Japan's Naomi Osaka -- in contravention of U.S. Open and other grand slam tournament rules -- but the American was left incensed at the umpire's strict interpretation of the rule.

She said she had not seen Mouratoglou's signal and that she had "never cheated in her life".

The incident and the ensuing row resulted in a game penalty and a $17,000 fine for Williams, and divided tennis by triggering a debate about sexism in the sport.

The debate was fuelled by Williams's and others assertions that an umpire would not have dealt with a male player in the same way.

Coaching during matches is permitted in some women's events, but grand slam tournaments are among those which do not allow it.

The US&nbsp;Open permitted players to talk to their coaches during qualifying and junior matches, but any move to allow it during main draw matches would need to be unilateral among the four slams.

This is likely to be problematic with Wimbledon so far entirely against it, although Wimbledon chief Philip Brook told reporters recently it was time for a "grown-up conversation" about the issue.

Mouratoglou clearly thinks it is a good idea and on Thursday said mid-match coaching needed to be authorised in order to "ensure tennis sustains its development".

The Frenchman said it was time coaching was both recognised and valued, because the fallout following last month's US&nbsp;Open final made it look as though coaching was shameful.

"Authorising coaching in competition and actually staging it so that the viewers can enjoy it as a show would ensure it remains pivotal in the sport," he posted on his Twitter feed.

Mouratoglou said he could not understand why tennis was "just about the only sport" where coaching was not allowed, citing soccer, basketball and boxing as high profile examples, and pointing out that elite cyclists are in radio contact with their advisors during races.

Touching on a theme raised by the Williams episode, Mouratoglou said legitimising in-competition coaching would end hypocrisy.

"It is a very basic truth that the vast majority of tennis coaches are actually coaching on court, despite the rule," he said.&nbsp;

"Of course, coaches are usually discreet... occasionally the players are punished for it, but for the most part they are not."

Representatives of the four grand slam tournaments are expected to meet before the end of the year, at which point the future of mid-match coaching will be a topic of conversation.

The coach whose attempts to guide Serena Williams mid-match during this year's US Open final led to her explosive row with the umpire and a code violation en route to defeat, has called for on-court coaching to be permitted.

The coach whose attempts to guide Serena Williams mid-match during this year's US Open final led to her explosive row with the umpire and a code violation en route to defeat, has called for on-court coaching to be permitted. Patrick Mouratoglou admitted gesturing to Williams from the stands during her match with Japan's Naomi Osaka -- in contravention of U.S. Open and other grand slam tournament rules -- but the American was left incensed at the umpire's strict interpretation of the rule. She said she had not seen Mouratoglou's signal and that she had "never cheated in her life". The incident and the ensuing row resulted in a game penalty and a $17,000 fine for Williams, and divided tennis by triggering a debate about sexism in the sport. The debate was fuelled by Williams's and others assertions that an umpire would not have dealt with a male player in the same way. Coaching during matches is permitted in some women's events, but grand slam tournaments are among those which do not allow it. The US Open permitted players to talk to their coaches during qualifying and junior matches, but any move to allow it during main draw matches would need to be unilateral among the four slams. This is likely to be problematic with Wimbledon so far entirely against it, although Wimbledon chief Philip Brook told reporters recently it was time for a "grown-up conversation" about the issue. Mouratoglou clearly thinks it is a good idea and on Thursday said mid-match coaching needed to be authorised in order to "ensure tennis sustains its development". The Frenchman said it was time coaching was both recognised and valued, because the fallout following last month's US Open final made it look as though coaching was shameful. "Authorising coaching in competition and actually staging it so that the viewers can enjoy it as a show would ensure it remains pivotal in the sport," he posted on his Twitter feed. Mouratoglou said he could not understand why tennis was "just about the only sport" where coaching was not allowed, citing soccer, basketball and boxing as high profile examples, and pointing out that elite cyclists are in radio contact with their advisors during races. Touching on a theme raised by the Williams episode, Mouratoglou said legitimising in-competition coaching would end hypocrisy. "It is a very basic truth that the vast majority of tennis coaches are actually coaching on court, despite the rule," he said. "Of course, coaches are usually discreet... occasionally the players are punished for it, but for the most part they are not." Representatives of the four grand slam tournaments are expected to meet before the end of the year, at which point the future of mid-match coaching will be a topic of conversation.

Serena Williams coach makes plea for honest and open on-court coaching

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?title=simona+halep">Simona Halep</a> remained atop of the Women's Tennis Association rankings released on Monday with 7,421 points. French Open Champion Halep will finish the year as women's world number one for the second season in a row.

"Finishing the season as the world number one last year was a huge honour for me," Halep said in a WTA news release.

"To do it for a second time in 2018 feels like a special achievement, especially having also won my first Grand Slam this year."

Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki is at number two followed by Germany's Angelique Kerber.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka of Japan is at number four.

The Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova climbed one spot to fifth after her final run at the Tianjin Open. While France's Caroline Garcia jumped four positions up to the 12th after she won the Tianjin Open title over Pliskova on Sunday.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/KaPliskova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KaPliskova</a> has moved back into the Top 5 after her final run at the <a href="https://twitter.com/TianjinOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TianjinOpen</a>! 
 
Complete Rankings--&gt; <a href="https://t.co/aAAYOvJKZM">https://t.co/aAAYOvJKZM</a> <a href="https://t.co/suT6bgf8J9">pic.twitter.com/suT6bgf8J9</a>
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The current WTA rankings and point scores are as follows:

1. Simona Halep (Romania) 7,421 points

2. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 6,461

3. Angelique Kerber (Germany) 5,400

4. Naomi Osaka (Japan) 4,740

5. Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 4,465

6. Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 4,350

7. Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4,255

8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4,022

9. Julia Gorges (Germany) 3,785

10. Kiki Bertens (The Netherlands) 3,740.

Simona Halep remained atop of the Women's Tennis Association rankings released on Monday with 7,421 points. French Open Champion Halep will finish the year as women's world number one for the second season in a row.

Simona Halep remained atop of the Women's Tennis Association rankings released on Monday with 7,421 points. French Open Champion Halep will finish the year as women's world number one for the second season in a row. "Finishing the season as the world number one last year was a huge honour for me," Halep said in a WTA news release. "To do it for a second time in 2018 feels like a special achievement, especially having also won my first Grand Slam this year." Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki is at number two followed by Germany's Angelique Kerber. US Open champion Naomi Osaka of Japan is at number four. The Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova climbed one spot to fifth after her final run at the Tianjin Open. While France's Caroline Garcia jumped four positions up to the 12th after she won the Tianjin Open title over Pliskova on Sunday. .@KaPliskova has moved back into the Top 5 after her final run at the @TianjinOpen! Complete Rankings--> https://t.co/aAAYOvJKZM pic.twitter.com/suT6bgf8J9 — WTA (@WTA) October 15, 2018 × The current WTA rankings and point scores are as follows: 1. Simona Halep (Romania) 7,421 points 2. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 6,461 3. Angelique Kerber (Germany) 5,400 4. Naomi Osaka (Japan) 4,740 5. Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 4,465 6. Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 4,350 7. Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4,255 8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4,022 9. Julia Gorges (Germany) 3,785 10. Kiki Bertens (The Netherlands) 3,740.

Simona Halep remains on top of world tennis rankings

US Open champion Naomi Osaka has pulled out of this week's Hong Kong Open to prevent aggravating a slight back injury, organisers said on Sunday.

The Japanese star required treatment to her lower back during her semi-final defeat to unseeded Anastasija Sevastova at the China Open in Beijing on Saturday.

Afterward, Osaka, who turns 21 on October 16, said it was more a case of fatigue than anything more serious, but suggested that she may not make the WTA Hong Kong Open, which starts on Monday.

"Unfortunately, I have been playing through pain in my back this whole week," the world number six said in a subsequent statement released by organisers.

"The doctors have advised me that I need to rest to ensure the injury is not further aggravated and become more serious."

One player who does appear set to play in Hong Kong is China's Wang Qiang, who is in the form of her life.

Wang was well beaten by world number two Caroline Wozniacki in the China Open semi-finals, going down 6-1, 6-3, and has been carrying a thigh injury.

"I'll try my best because I will definitely face the same situation in the future," the 28th-ranked Wang said, asked if she would compete in Hong Kong.

"I cannot give up easily."

US Open champion Naomi Osaka has pulled out of this week's Hong Kong Open to prevent aggravating a slight back injury, organisers said on Sunday. The Japanese star required treatment to her lower back during her semi-final defeat to unseeded Anastasija Sevastova at the China Open in Beijing on Saturday.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka has pulled out of this week's Hong Kong Open to prevent aggravating a slight back injury, organisers said on Sunday. The Japanese star required treatment to her lower back during her semi-final defeat to unseeded Anastasija Sevastova at the China Open in Beijing on Saturday. Afterward, Osaka, who turns 21 on October 16, said it was more a case of fatigue than anything more serious, but suggested that she may not make the WTA Hong Kong Open, which starts on Monday. "Unfortunately, I have been playing through pain in my back this whole week," the world number six said in a subsequent statement released by organisers. "The doctors have advised me that I need to rest to ensure the injury is not further aggravated and become more serious." One player who does appear set to play in Hong Kong is China's Wang Qiang, who is in the form of her life. Wang was well beaten by world number two Caroline Wozniacki in the China Open semi-finals, going down 6-1, 6-3, and has been carrying a thigh injury. "I'll try my best because I will definitely face the same situation in the future," the 28th-ranked Wang said, asked if she would compete in Hong Kong. "I cannot give up easily."

Naomi Osaka pulls out of Hong Kong Open with back injury

Japan’s Naomi Osaka defeated Shuai Zhang of China on Friday in the China Open quarter-final.

The US Open champion fought back from a set down to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to book her place in the semi-final of the tournament.

As well as overcoming the first set deficit, Osaka came back from 1-4 down in the third to seal the win.

"She's such an incredible player and it was really hard to play against her here," Osaka said after the match. "I'm just thinking one match at a time, and it can only get harder from here."

Osaka hit 66 unforced errors during the two hour and 33 minute-long match, but showed a ruthless streak to convert her opportunities, hitting 51 winners to Zhang's 13.

The number 8 seed moves on to the semi-final where she will face Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia.

Japan’s Naomi Osaka defeated Shuai Zhang of China on Friday in the China Open quarter-final. The US Open champion fought back from a set down to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to book her place in the semi-final of the tournament.

Japan’s Naomi Osaka defeated Shuai Zhang of China on Friday in the China Open quarter-final. The US Open champion fought back from a set down to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to book her place in the semi-final of the tournament. As well as overcoming the first set deficit, Osaka came back from 1-4 down in the third to seal the win. "She's such an incredible player and it was really hard to play against her here," Osaka said after the match. "I'm just thinking one match at a time, and it can only get harder from here." Osaka hit 66 unforced errors during the two hour and 33 minute-long match, but showed a ruthless streak to convert her opportunities, hitting 51 winners to Zhang's 13. The number 8 seed moves on to the semi-final where she will face Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia.

Osaka survives marathon China Open quarter-final against Zhang

US Open champion Naomi Osaka secured a berth at the WTA finals, scheduled to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 21-28 October.

The 20-year-old, who became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles tournament after defeating Serena Williams in straight sets in New York last month, is the third player to confirm her qualification for the event.&nbsp;

World No. 1 Simona Halep and No. 3 Angelique Kerber have qualified ahead of Osaka.

"Qualifying for the WTA Finals is a huge accomplishment," said Osaka.

The Japanese tennis star defeated Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia to win a junior version of the Singapore tournament and will be returning for the first time as a senior.

"Winning the WTA Rising Stars Invitational in 2015 helped give me the confidence to play on the big stages, so I am excited to go back to Singapore and compete with the top players of the season," she added.

It would be Osaka's maiden appearance in the WTA Finals singles competition, which features only the top eight players of the women’s tennis season.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka secured a berth at the WTA finals, scheduled to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 21-28 October. The 20-year-old, who became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles tournament after defeating Serena Williams in straight sets in New York last month, is the third player to confirm her qualification for the event.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka secured a berth at the WTA finals, scheduled to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 21-28 October. The 20-year-old, who became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles tournament after defeating Serena Williams in straight sets in New York last month, is the third player to confirm her qualification for the event. World No. 1 Simona Halep and No. 3 Angelique Kerber have qualified ahead of Osaka. "Qualifying for the WTA Finals is a huge accomplishment," said Osaka. The Japanese tennis star defeated Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia to win a junior version of the Singapore tournament and will be returning for the first time as a senior. "Winning the WTA Rising Stars Invitational in 2015 helped give me the confidence to play on the big stages, so I am excited to go back to Singapore and compete with the top players of the season," she added. It would be Osaka's maiden appearance in the WTA Finals singles competition, which features only the top eight players of the women’s tennis season.

US Open champ Naomi Osaka secures WTA Finals berth

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-not-saddened-by-serena-row-in-us-open-final-165397">Naomi Osaka</a> made the startling admission on Monday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-wins-us-open-after-defeating-her-idol-serena-williams-164506">winning the US Open</a> was "bittersweet" and "not the happiest memory" and revealed that she has been trying to forget about the career-defining victory.

The 20-year-old rising star from Japan stunned Serena Williams last month in a tempestuous final in which the American called chair umpire Carlos Ramos "a thief" and later accused him of sexism.

"There's a lot of stuff I want to say about how I felt and whatever," the world number six said.

Williams's high-profile meltdown made headlines over Osaka's feat in becoming the first Japanese to win a Grand Slam, although Osaka has declined to point the finger at the American great.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-how-osaka-suffered-because-of-serenas-feud-with-umpire-165091">Opinion: How Osaka suffered because of Serena's feud with umpire</a>

"For me, I don't know, I don't know, the memory of the US Open is a little bit bittersweet," Osaka said.

"Right after, the day after, I really didn't want to think about it because it wasn't necessarily the happiest memory for me.

"I just sort of wanted to move on at that point."

Speaking in Beijing, where Osaka powered into round two of the China Open with a dominant performance over Kazakh qualifier Zarina Diyas, the young Japanese light-heartedly compared her Grand Slam success to green-tea ice cream.

"When you bite into it, it's sweet, but also very strong -- that's how that memory feels to me.

"Of course I'm happy that I won a Grand Slam, I don't think there's anything that can take away from that... but I feel like it was so strange, I didn't just want to think about it.

"I wanted to just push it to the side."&nbsp;

Osaka, who defeated Diyas 6-4, 6-3 despite not playing her best, faces unseeded American Danielle Collins next.

Wozniacki emphatic

Also safely through on Beijing's outdoor hard courts is another reigning Grand Slam champion, Australian Open winner Caroline Wozniacki.

With world number one Simona Halep retiring from the tournament with a back injury and Serena Williams absent, Osaka and Wozniacki are among the favourites.

Former world number one Wozniacki was emphatic with a 6-2, 6-3 demolition of Switzerland's Belinda Bencic.

The world number two Dane was never in serious trouble against 41st-ranked Bencic, although it has not always been like that down the years, Bencic winning four of their past six meetings.&nbsp;

Wozniacki will play Croatia's unseeded Petra Martic in round two.

It was a case of seventh time lucky for another former number one, Garbine Muguruza, as the Spaniard set up a meeting with Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.

Muguruza, who is down to 15th in the world, made a fast start as she hammered Ekaterina Makarova 6-0, 6-4, making the seventh match point count against the Russian.

Elise Mertens, the 15th seed from Belgium, suffered a surprise defeat to home player Zhang Shuai, the Chinese winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

Also out is the 17th seed Madison Keys after the American, the 2017 US Open finalist, withdrew with a knee injury.

The top men's seeds make their entrance on Tuesday, with Juan Martin del Potro, Alexander Zverev and Grigor Dimitrov all in action.

Naomi Osaka made the startling admission on Monday that winning the US Open was "bittersweet" and "not the happiest memory" and revealed that she has been trying to forget about the career-defining victory.

Naomi Osaka made the startling admission on Monday that winning the US Open was "bittersweet" and "not the happiest memory" and revealed that she has been trying to forget about the career-defining victory. The 20-year-old rising star from Japan stunned Serena Williams last month in a tempestuous final in which the American called chair umpire Carlos Ramos "a thief" and later accused him of sexism. "There's a lot of stuff I want to say about how I felt and whatever," the world number six said. Williams's high-profile meltdown made headlines over Osaka's feat in becoming the first Japanese to win a Grand Slam, although Osaka has declined to point the finger at the American great. Opinion: How Osaka suffered because of Serena's feud with umpire "For me, I don't know, I don't know, the memory of the US Open is a little bit bittersweet," Osaka said. "Right after, the day after, I really didn't want to think about it because it wasn't necessarily the happiest memory for me. "I just sort of wanted to move on at that point." Speaking in Beijing, where Osaka powered into round two of the China Open with a dominant performance over Kazakh qualifier Zarina Diyas, the young Japanese light-heartedly compared her Grand Slam success to green-tea ice cream. "When you bite into it, it's sweet, but also very strong -- that's how that memory feels to me. "Of course I'm happy that I won a Grand Slam, I don't think there's anything that can take away from that... but I feel like it was so strange, I didn't just want to think about it. "I wanted to just push it to the side." Osaka, who defeated Diyas 6-4, 6-3 despite not playing her best, faces unseeded American Danielle Collins next. Wozniacki emphatic Also safely through on Beijing's outdoor hard courts is another reigning Grand Slam champion, Australian Open winner Caroline Wozniacki. With world number one Simona Halep retiring from the tournament with a back injury and Serena Williams absent, Osaka and Wozniacki are among the favourites. Former world number one Wozniacki was emphatic with a 6-2, 6-3 demolition of Switzerland's Belinda Bencic. The world number two Dane was never in serious trouble against 41st-ranked Bencic, although it has not always been like that down the years, Bencic winning four of their past six meetings. Wozniacki will play Croatia's unseeded Petra Martic in round two. It was a case of seventh time lucky for another former number one, Garbine Muguruza, as the Spaniard set up a meeting with Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus. Muguruza, who is down to 15th in the world, made a fast start as she hammered Ekaterina Makarova 6-0, 6-4, making the seventh match point count against the Russian. Elise Mertens, the 15th seed from Belgium, suffered a surprise defeat to home player Zhang Shuai, the Chinese winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. Also out is the 17th seed Madison Keys after the American, the 2017 US Open finalist, withdrew with a knee injury. The top men's seeds make their entrance on Tuesday, with Juan Martin del Potro, Alexander Zverev and Grigor Dimitrov all in action.

US Open title 'not the happiest memory', says Osaka

US Open champion Naomi Osaka on Sunday was defeated in straight sets by Karolina Pliskova in the Pan Pacific Open final.

Osaka, who went down 6-4 6-4 to the Czech, blamed tiredness for the loss.&nbsp;

"I've literally never felt more tired in my entire life," said the 20-year-old.

Meanwhile, the former world number one Pliskova ended Osaka's 10-match winning streak in just 63 minutes.

"Naomi was maybe a little bit tired, you could see that. But the future is bright for her and congrats to her for an incredible few weeks," said Pliskova.&nbsp;

Osaka's defeat came a fortnight after she won the US Open final, which was overshadowed by beaten opponent Serena Williams' outburst at an umpire.

Osaka could not recover after being broken by the world number eight in the fifth game of the first set and, as the strain began to show, she called for coach Sascha Bajin and groaned: "I feel so stressed out."

She could barely bring herself to speak at the trophy presentation.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka on Sunday was defeated in straight sets by Karolina Pliskova in the Pan Pacific Open final. Osaka, who went down 6-4 6-4 to the Czech, blamed tiredness for the loss.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka on Sunday was defeated in straight sets by Karolina Pliskova in the Pan Pacific Open final. Osaka, who went down 6-4 6-4 to the Czech, blamed tiredness for the loss. "I've literally never felt more tired in my entire life," said the 20-year-old. Meanwhile, the former world number one Pliskova ended Osaka's 10-match winning streak in just 63 minutes. "Naomi was maybe a little bit tired, you could see that. But the future is bright for her and congrats to her for an incredible few weeks," said Pliskova. Osaka's defeat came a fortnight after she won the US Open final, which was overshadowed by beaten opponent Serena Williams' outburst at an umpire. Osaka could not recover after being broken by the world number eight in the fifth game of the first set and, as the strain began to show, she called for coach Sascha Bajin and groaned: "I feel so stressed out." She could barely bring herself to speak at the trophy presentation.

Karolina Pliskova beats Naomi Osaka to win Tokyo crown 

Karolina Pliskova beat Naomi Osaka to in Tokyo crown 

US&nbsp;Open champion Naomi Osaka stormed past Italy's Camila Giorgi 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the final of the Pan Pacific Open, where she will face Karolina Pliskova.

Osaka's victory in front of an expectant home crowd was her 10th in a row and did not look in doubt from the moment she pounded down a huge ace with her first serve of the match.

The 20-year-old, who became Japan's first ever Grand Slam singles champion in New York two weeks ago, hit a further eight aces to overwhelm world number 37 Giorgi.

Osaka has carried the poise and power that saw her overcome Serena Williams in the Flushing Meadows final across the Pacific with her and, helped by eight double-faults from Giorgi, wrapped up the victory in just 72 minutes.

A runner up at this event two years ago, Osaka has not dropped a set so far this week and has had her service broken just once.

She will face world number eight Pliskova in the final after the Czech outlasted Croatia's Donna Vekic 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in a topsy-turvy match that lasted over two hours.

Pliskova has spent more time on court than any other player at this tournament despite a first-round bye and was once again dragged into a long contest by a dogged Vekic.

The former world number one started as if intent on finishing the contest as quickly as possible and stormed into an early 4-0 lead before wrapping up the first set in under half an hour.

Vekic, though, had defeated top 10 players Sloane Stephens and Caroline Garcia on route to the last four and recovered from an early break of serve in the second set to secure two breaks of her own.

Pliskova looked tired but dug deep in the third set and the quality of her superior hitting eventually told as she broke Vekic's resolve.

Currently, just outside the top eight qualifying places for the WTA Finals in Singapore, Pliskova has now spent 420 minutes on court in Tokyo compared to 222 minutes for Osaka.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka stormed past Italy's Camila Giorgi 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the final of the Pan Pacific Open, where she will face Karolina Pliskova.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka stormed past Italy's Camila Giorgi 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the final of the Pan Pacific Open, where she will face Karolina Pliskova. Osaka's victory in front of an expectant home crowd was her 10th in a row and did not look in doubt from the moment she pounded down a huge ace with her first serve of the match. The 20-year-old, who became Japan's first ever Grand Slam singles champion in New York two weeks ago, hit a further eight aces to overwhelm world number 37 Giorgi. Osaka has carried the poise and power that saw her overcome Serena Williams in the Flushing Meadows final across the Pacific with her and, helped by eight double-faults from Giorgi, wrapped up the victory in just 72 minutes. A runner up at this event two years ago, Osaka has not dropped a set so far this week and has had her service broken just once. She will face world number eight Pliskova in the final after the Czech outlasted Croatia's Donna Vekic 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in a topsy-turvy match that lasted over two hours. Pliskova has spent more time on court than any other player at this tournament despite a first-round bye and was once again dragged into a long contest by a dogged Vekic. The former world number one started as if intent on finishing the contest as quickly as possible and stormed into an early 4-0 lead before wrapping up the first set in under half an hour. Vekic, though, had defeated top 10 players Sloane Stephens and Caroline Garcia on route to the last four and recovered from an early break of serve in the second set to secure two breaks of her own. Pliskova looked tired but dug deep in the third set and the quality of her superior hitting eventually told as she broke Vekic's resolve. Currently, just outside the top eight qualifying places for the WTA Finals in Singapore, Pliskova has now spent 420 minutes on court in Tokyo compared to 222 minutes for Osaka.

Osaka wins 10th straight match to power into Tokyo final

Simona Halep believes this year's French Open victory has helped justify her position as the women's world number one, with the Romanian saying she was now playing pressure-free tennis and motivated to add more Grand Slam titles to her resume.

Speaking to a small gathering of reporters in a phone interview on Friday, the 26-year-old also earmarked US&nbsp;Open champion Naomi Osaka as a huge prospect for the future after the Japanese player made her major breakthrough in New York.

"My dream was to become number one and I managed that last year and then my goal was to win a Grand Slam because some consider that a sign of being a true number one," Halep, who has topped the rankings for 46 weeks in total, explained.

"So my motivation was to win a major after I reached the top of the rankings and now I feel relaxed after achieving both. I am still motivated to win every match and now the pressure feels off, I can just feel the pleasure of playing."

Halep knows all too well the pain of losing a Grand Slam final after suffering three failures in as many title matches before she rallied past American Sloane Stephens in Paris to prevail 3-6 6-4 6-1 on her favourite clay surface in June.

The mental and physical exertion of that triumph seemed to take a toll on the base-liner midway through the season but Halep believes her form in North America indicated she was close to playing her best tennis.

"It wasn't a huge disaster after I won the French Open. I won in Canada and reached the final in Cincinnati in consecutive weeks," she said.

"That meant a lot to me and gave me confidence to believe my level is still there, but in the Grand Slams... at Wimbledon I was really tired and emotional, and grass is always difficult for me.

"I did have a match point in the third round (loss to Hsieh Su-wei) and Kaia Kanepi just played really well at the US&nbsp;Open and I just couldn't put it together to win the match or make it closer," she added of her first-round loss in New York.

"I feel my form is really good now but you never know, we'll see... I am just trying to stay focused and do my best."

Gender Parity

Osaka became Japan's first ever Grand Slam champion with her impressive win over Serena Williams in a US&nbsp;Open final marred by accusations of sexism towards the umpire by the American after she was warned three times for various infringements.

Halep steered clear of commenting directly about the second set incidents but felt that women and men were generally treated equally by officials on the tennis court.

"I don't really see a difference between men's and women's tennis," Halep added.

"I don't really want to comment on this (the US&nbsp;Open final) but everyone gets the same thing. I have been fined for smashing my racket. The umpires respect the rules and I don't really have much to add as it feels the same for me."

Despite being just 20-year-old, Osaka managed to stay calm enough to complete a 6-2 6-4 victory over the 23-times Grand Slam champion, a performance that Halep believed made the Japanese player a big threat on the circuit.

"Osaka just won a Grand Slam. She's a very good player, she's very young and very powerful, has a great future ahead and will definitely be strong at the WTA Finals," Halep added of the elite eight-woman event taking place in Singapore next month.

Halep has already qualified for the season-ending tournament which will leave Singapore for Shenzhen in 2019 after a five-year run in Southeast Asia, with the Romanian hoping to at least reach the semi-finals after three straight group stage exits.

"The WTA Finals are really tough as they come right at the end of the season and you need to put all of your energy and everything together to play well," said Halep, who lost in the final of the event on her first appearance in 2014.

"I haven't managed to do that in the last three years, so my goal is to just get out of the group stage and into the semi-finals. But I know this will be difficult."

Simona Halep believes this year's French Open victory has helped justify her position as the women's world number one, with the Romanian saying she was now playing pressure-free tennis and motivated to add more Grand Slam titles to her resume.

Simona Halep believes this year's French Open victory has helped justify her position as the women's world number one, with the Romanian saying she was now playing pressure-free tennis and motivated to add more Grand Slam titles to her resume. Speaking to a small gathering of reporters in a phone interview on Friday, the 26-year-old also earmarked US Open champion Naomi Osaka as a huge prospect for the future after the Japanese player made her major breakthrough in New York. "My dream was to become number one and I managed that last year and then my goal was to win a Grand Slam because some consider that a sign of being a true number one," Halep, who has topped the rankings for 46 weeks in total, explained. "So my motivation was to win a major after I reached the top of the rankings and now I feel relaxed after achieving both. I am still motivated to win every match and now the pressure feels off, I can just feel the pleasure of playing." Halep knows all too well the pain of losing a Grand Slam final after suffering three failures in as many title matches before she rallied past American Sloane Stephens in Paris to prevail 3-6 6-4 6-1 on her favourite clay surface in June. The mental and physical exertion of that triumph seemed to take a toll on the base-liner midway through the season but Halep believes her form in North America indicated she was close to playing her best tennis. "It wasn't a huge disaster after I won the French Open. I won in Canada and reached the final in Cincinnati in consecutive weeks," she said. "That meant a lot to me and gave me confidence to believe my level is still there, but in the Grand Slams... at Wimbledon I was really tired and emotional, and grass is always difficult for me. "I did have a match point in the third round (loss to Hsieh Su-wei) and Kaia Kanepi just played really well at the US Open and I just couldn't put it together to win the match or make it closer," she added of her first-round loss in New York. "I feel my form is really good now but you never know, we'll see... I am just trying to stay focused and do my best." Gender Parity Osaka became Japan's first ever Grand Slam champion with her impressive win over Serena Williams in a US Open final marred by accusations of sexism towards the umpire by the American after she was warned three times for various infringements. Halep steered clear of commenting directly about the second set incidents but felt that women and men were generally treated equally by officials on the tennis court. "I don't really see a difference between men's and women's tennis," Halep added. "I don't really want to comment on this (the US Open final) but everyone gets the same thing. I have been fined for smashing my racket. The umpires respect the rules and I don't really have much to add as it feels the same for me." Despite being just 20-year-old, Osaka managed to stay calm enough to complete a 6-2 6-4 victory over the 23-times Grand Slam champion, a performance that Halep believed made the Japanese player a big threat on the circuit. "Osaka just won a Grand Slam. She's a very good player, she's very young and very powerful, has a great future ahead and will definitely be strong at the WTA Finals," Halep added of the elite eight-woman event taking place in Singapore next month. Halep has already qualified for the season-ending tournament which will leave Singapore for Shenzhen in 2019 after a five-year run in Southeast Asia, with the Romanian hoping to at least reach the semi-finals after three straight group stage exits. "The WTA Finals are really tough as they come right at the end of the season and you need to put all of your energy and everything together to play well," said Halep, who lost in the final of the event on her first appearance in 2014. "I haven't managed to do that in the last three years, so my goal is to just get out of the group stage and into the semi-finals. But I know this will be difficult."

Simona Halep feels Grand Slam triumph justifies number one ranking

Madison Keys overcame a second-set wobble to beat Japan's Naomi Osaka 6-1 7-6(7) and reach the last 16 of the French Open for the second time on Friday.

Keys broke for a 3-1 lead in the second set and looked to be closing in on a straightforward victory when 21st seed Osaka suddenly found her range and levelled the set.

Osaka's mini-revival looked to have fizzled out when she dropped serve with a double-fault at 4-4.

Keys squandered a match point in the next game, however, and the 23-year-old U.S. Open runner-up looked increasingly tight as the set moved into a tiebreaker.

Osaka led 4-1 but Keys dragged it back to 4-4 with a searing backhand pass but faced a set point at 5-6.

Keys saved another set point at 6-7, this time with a booming first serve.&nbsp

She then wrong-footed Osaka to bring up a second match point and was relieved as her opponent coughed up another double-fault to end the contest.

She will face either fourth seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine or Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu next.&nbsp

Keys is one of three Americans to reach the third round with Sloane Stephens, who beat her in the Flushing Meadows final last year, and three-times champion Serena Williams also in the hunt.&nbsp

Keys broke for a 3-1 lead in the second set

Madison Keys overcame a second-set wobble to beat Japan's Naomi Osaka 6-1 7-6(7) and reach the last 16 of the French Open for the second time on Friday. Keys broke for a 3-1 lead in the second set and looked to be closing in on a straightforward victory when 21st seed Osaka suddenly found her range and levelled the set. Osaka's mini-revival looked to have fizzled out when she dropped serve with a double-fault at 4-4. Keys squandered a match point in the next game, however, and the 23-year-old U.S. Open runner-up looked increasingly tight as the set moved into a tiebreaker. Osaka led 4-1 but Keys dragged it back to 4-4 with a searing backhand pass but faced a set point at 5-6. Keys saved another set point at 6-7, this time with a booming first serve. She then wrong-footed Osaka to bring up a second match point and was relieved as her opponent coughed up another double-fault to end the contest. She will face either fourth seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine or Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu next. Keys is one of three Americans to reach the third round with Sloane Stephens, who beat her in the Flushing Meadows final last year, and three-times champion Serena Williams also in the hunt.

Madison beats Osaka to reach French Open last 16

Japan's Naomi Osaka cruised into the second round of the French Open with a straight-sets victory over American Sofia Kenin on Monday.

The 21st seed, who claimed her first WTA title at the BNP Paribas Open in March, took 74 minutes to complete the 6-2, 7-5 victory over world No. 95 Kenin in the opening round at Roland Garros.

Earlier this month Osaka, defeated Victoria Azarenka in the first round in Rome before managing only one game against world number one Simona Halep in the second, and she started on the right foot against Kenin.&nbsp

The Japanese continued to spray the court with unforced errors, allowing her opponent to steal her serve a second time.

Then Kenin suffered a terrible meltdown as Osaka won 18 out of 20 points to go from 5-2 down to 6-5 up.

She wrapped it up on Kenin's serve on her first match point when the American sent a forehand long.

The 21st seed took 74 minutes to complete the 6-2, 7-5 victory over world No. 95 Kenin

Japan's Naomi Osaka cruised into the second round of the French Open with a straight-sets victory over American Sofia Kenin on Monday. The 21st seed, who claimed her first WTA title at the BNP Paribas Open in March, took 74 minutes to complete the 6-2, 7-5 victory over world No. 95 Kenin in the opening round at Roland Garros. Earlier this month Osaka, defeated Victoria Azarenka in the first round in Rome before managing only one game against world number one Simona Halep in the second, and she started on the right foot against Kenin. The Japanese continued to spray the court with unforced errors, allowing her opponent to steal her serve a second time. Then Kenin suffered a terrible meltdown as Osaka won 18 out of 20 points to go from 5-2 down to 6-5 up. She wrapped it up on Kenin's serve on her first match point when the American sent a forehand long.

French Open: Naomi Osaka beats Sofia Kenin in 1st round

Austrian Dominic Thiem, last week's Madrid finalist, crashed at the first hurdle at the ATP and WTA&nbspItalian&nbspOpen&nbspTuesday as top women's seed Simona Halep demolished Japan's Naomi Osaka.

Sixth seed Thiem -- who inflicted the first clay-court defeat in almost a year on Rafael Nadal last week in Madrid -- smashed his racket in fury on his way to losing to Italy's Fabio Fognini 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 in just over two hours.

Fognini, ranked 21, kept his nerve while Thiem took out his frustration on his racket after handing his rival three match points, the&nbspItalian&nbspthen sealing his first win in three meetings with the Austrian.

Fognini, 30, next plays Germany's Peter Gojowczyk before a possible quarter-final showdown with top seed Nadal.

"It was an intense fight. He was pumped today and playing at home and coming off a good win over (Gael) Monfils," said Thiem.&nbsp

"If you compare it to Madrid there were a lot of close matches I could have lost there too. I did have chances."

Earlier, Halep powered her way to a 6-1, 6-0 win in just under an hour on the clay of the Italico Foro to claim her fourth win over 21st-ranked Osaka in five meetings.

"It was one of those helpless feeling," conceded Osaka who could be heard saying "I want to cry" courtside.&nbsp

The match looked set to be a battle after Halep needed to save four break points in her opening service game for 1-1 but then reeled off 12 in a row to avenge her Indian Wells loss.

"I like to slide on the clay and today was easy for me. I'm more relaxed than in Madrid," said Halep.

Osaka, 20, failed to convert any of her six break point opportunities, hitting 29 unforced errors to Halep's 14.

- 'Depressed, and stuff' -

The 26-year-old Halep reached the final in Rome last year and needs to reach the quarter-finals this time to hold her world number one ranking.

"It's just like one of those moments, like, you're a little bit depressed, and stuff. But I think this is the first match of the year that I've felt like this," insisted Osaka, who struggled with her backhand.

"She knew it and we were having a lot of backhand rallies, other than that I couldn't say what happened.

"I feel like I've played her the most of any player, this was the third time this year. She has a very solid game plan for me."

The Romanian will next play 13th-seeded American Madison Keys, who battled past Croatian Donna Vekic 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/0) for a place in the quarter-finals.

Halep is building towards the French&nbspOpen&nbspin two weeks time where she hopes to claim a first Grand Slam after twice finishing runner-up in Roland Garros.

France's Caroline Garcia, a semi-finalist in Madrid last week, also eased into the third round past Hungary's Timea Babos 6-3, 6-4.

Garcia, the seventh seed, went through with a break in both sets in 1hr 30min and she will next play either American Sloane Stephens or Kaia Kanepi of Estonia.

In the men's event, US eighth seed John Isner fell following a three set battle which included three tiebreaks against Spain's Albert Ramos 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5).

Austrian Dominic Thiem, last week's Madrid finalist, crashed at the first hurdle at Italian Open and top women's seed Simona Halep demolished Japan's Naomi Osaka

Austrian Dominic Thiem, last week's Madrid finalist, crashed at the first hurdle at the ATP and WTA&nbspItalian&nbspOpen&nbspTuesday as top women's seed Simona Halep demolished Japan's Naomi Osaka. Sixth seed Thiem -- who inflicted the first clay-court defeat in almost a year on Rafael Nadal last week in Madrid -- smashed his racket in fury on his way to losing to Italy's Fabio Fognini 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 in just over two hours. Fognini, ranked 21, kept his nerve while Thiem took out his frustration on his racket after handing his rival three match points, the&nbspItalian&nbspthen sealing his first win in three meetings with the Austrian. Fognini, 30, next plays Germany's Peter Gojowczyk before a possible quarter-final showdown with top seed Nadal. "It was an intense fight. He was pumped today and playing at home and coming off a good win over (Gael) Monfils," said Thiem. "If you compare it to Madrid there were a lot of close matches I could have lost there too. I did have chances." Earlier, Halep powered her way to a 6-1, 6-0 win in just under an hour on the clay of the Italico Foro to claim her fourth win over 21st-ranked Osaka in five meetings. "It was one of those helpless feeling," conceded Osaka who could be heard saying "I want to cry" courtside. The match looked set to be a battle after Halep needed to save four break points in her opening service game for 1-1 but then reeled off 12 in a row to avenge her Indian Wells loss. "I like to slide on the clay and today was easy for me. I'm more relaxed than in Madrid," said Halep. Osaka, 20, failed to convert any of her six break point opportunities, hitting 29 unforced errors to Halep's 14. - 'Depressed, and stuff' - The 26-year-old Halep reached the final in Rome last year and needs to reach the quarter-finals this time to hold her world number one ranking. "It's just like one of those moments, like, you're a little bit depressed, and stuff. But I think this is the first match of the year that I've felt like this," insisted Osaka, who struggled with her backhand. "She knew it and we were having a lot of backhand rallies, other than that I couldn't say what happened. "I feel like I've played her the most of any player, this was the third time this year. She has a very solid game plan for me." The Romanian will next play 13th-seeded American Madison Keys, who battled past Croatian Donna Vekic 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/0) for a place in the quarter-finals. Halep is building towards the French&nbspOpen&nbspin two weeks time where she hopes to claim a first Grand Slam after twice finishing runner-up in Roland Garros. France's Caroline Garcia, a semi-finalist in Madrid last week, also eased into the third round past Hungary's Timea Babos 6-3, 6-4. Garcia, the seventh seed, went through with a break in both sets in 1hr 30min and she will next play either American Sloane Stephens or Kaia Kanepi of Estonia. In the men's event, US eighth seed John Isner fell following a three set battle which included three tiebreaks against Spain's Albert Ramos 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5).

Thiem crashes in Rome, Halep demolishes Osaka

Japanese dynamo Naomi Osaka punched her ticket to the Indian Wells final on Friday, routing world No. 1 Simona Halep to set up a title clash with rising star Daria Kasatkina.

World No. 44 Osaka stormed past the top-seeded Halep in stunning fashion with a 6-3, 6-0 win, while Russian juggernaut Kasatkina wore down the 37-year-old seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.

The 26-year-old former champion Halep dropped to 18-2 on the season as she lasted just 64 minutes on the court with Osaka.

&quot;I just was not ready. I missed the ball a lot and I didn&#39;t play what I had to play,&quot; Halep said. &quot;I don&#39;t find excuses. She was better. I just was not ready and played wrong.&quot;

Youth prevailed Friday night as both unseeded Osaka and world No. 19 Kasatkina are 20 years old while the combined age of Williams and Halep is 63.

&quot;I feel like there is a new generation and we are trying to push through,&quot; said Osaka, who clinched the contest on the third match point.

Osaka improved to 14-4 in 2018 as she came into the clash as the lowest ranked Indian Wells semi-finalist since Kim Clijsters in 2005.

&quot;I was kind of nervous that entire (final) game because it kept going back and forth,&quot; Osaka said.&nbsp;

&quot;But I&#39;m really glad I was able to finish on my serve instead of having to break her or something like that. Yeah, it felt good.&quot;

Halep had three double faults, won just five points on her second serve and had her serve broken five times.

Halep, who had reached the semi-finals in all four of her tournaments in 2018, was trying to repeat her Indian Wells success of three years ago when she beat Jelena Jankovic to lift the trophy.

Meanwhile, Kasatkina rolled over her third top-10 player in a row to reach her first Indian Wells final.

Kasatkina rallied to claim the biggest victory of her career and defeat world number eight Williams, extending a year-long assault on top players, Grand Slam winners and former world number ones.

&quot;A match like this, you&#39;re just speechless,&quot; Kasatkina said. &quot;Too many emotions and you cannot explain everything.

&quot;Maybe one of the best nights in my life, for sure.&quot;

Serving for the match, Kasatkina clinched the victory on her second match point as she raced out to a 40-0 lead. Williams hit a cross-court forehand winner on the first match point but then dumped a backhand into the net to end the two hour, 49 minute marathon showdown.

Ultimately the young Russian proved to be too strong for Williams, who appeared to hit a wall at about the two and a half hour mark.

&quot;As my coach said, she&#39;s 37 years old, I am 20, so I should go for three sets,&quot; she said.

Kasatkina fired one ace, hit five double faults and broke Williams&#39;s serve seven times in the entertaining match.

63 unforced errors

&nbsp;Williams had almost double the number of unforced errors, 63-45, and broke Kasatkina six times but she also made five double faults -- some at crucial moments in the match.

&quot;Anyone who gets used to losses should give up on life,&quot; Williams said.

Kasatkina continues her Cinderella run through the California desert tournament as she goes for her second WTA title.

Kasatkina has beaten all four reigning Grand Slam champions in the past year, including US Open champ Sloane Stephens twice. She did it for the second time at Indian Wells, winning their third round match 6-4, 6-3.

After eliminating Stephens she beat two top 10 players to get to the semis -- world number two Caroline Wozniacki in three sets in the fourth round and then No. 10 Angelique Kerber in straight sets in the quarters.

World No. 44 Osaka stormed past the top-seeded Halep in stunning fashion with a 6-3, 6-0 win

Japanese dynamo Naomi Osaka punched her ticket to the Indian Wells final on Friday, routing world No. 1 Simona Halep to set up a title clash with rising star Daria Kasatkina. World No. 44 Osaka stormed past the top-seeded Halep in stunning fashion with a 6-3, 6-0 win, while Russian juggernaut Kasatkina wore down the 37-year-old seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. The 26-year-old former champion Halep dropped to 18-2 on the season as she lasted just 64 minutes on the court with Osaka. "I just was not ready. I missed the ball a lot and I didn't play what I had to play," Halep said. "I don't find excuses. She was better. I just was not ready and played wrong." Youth prevailed Friday night as both unseeded Osaka and world No. 19 Kasatkina are 20 years old while the combined age of Williams and Halep is 63. "I feel like there is a new generation and we are trying to push through," said Osaka, who clinched the contest on the third match point. Osaka improved to 14-4 in 2018 as she came into the clash as the lowest ranked Indian Wells semi-finalist since Kim Clijsters in 2005. "I was kind of nervous that entire (final) game because it kept going back and forth," Osaka said. "But I'm really glad I was able to finish on my serve instead of having to break her or something like that. Yeah, it felt good." Halep had three double faults, won just five points on her second serve and had her serve broken five times. Halep, who had reached the semi-finals in all four of her tournaments in 2018, was trying to repeat her Indian Wells success of three years ago when she beat Jelena Jankovic to lift the trophy. Meanwhile, Kasatkina rolled over her third top-10 player in a row to reach her first Indian Wells final. Kasatkina rallied to claim the biggest victory of her career and defeat world number eight Williams, extending a year-long assault on top players, Grand Slam winners and former world number ones. "A match like this, you're just speechless," Kasatkina said. "Too many emotions and you cannot explain everything. "Maybe one of the best nights in my life, for sure." Serving for the match, Kasatkina clinched the victory on her second match point as she raced out to a 40-0 lead. Williams hit a cross-court forehand winner on the first match point but then dumped a backhand into the net to end the two hour, 49 minute marathon showdown. Ultimately the young Russian proved to be too strong for Williams, who appeared to hit a wall at about the two and a half hour mark. "As my coach said, she's 37 years old, I am 20, so I should go for three sets," she said. Kasatkina fired one ace, hit five double faults and broke Williams's serve seven times in the entertaining match. 63 unforced errors Williams had almost double the number of unforced errors, 63-45, and broke Kasatkina six times but she also made five double faults -- some at crucial moments in the match. "Anyone who gets used to losses should give up on life," Williams said. Kasatkina continues her Cinderella run through the California desert tournament as she goes for her second WTA title. Kasatkina has beaten all four reigning Grand Slam champions in the past year, including US Open champ Sloane Stephens twice. She did it for the second time at Indian Wells, winning their third round match 6-4, 6-3. After eliminating Stephens she beat two top 10 players to get to the semis -- world number two Caroline Wozniacki in three sets in the fourth round and then No. 10 Angelique Kerber in straight sets in the quarters.

Naomi Osaka ousts Simona Halep to enter finals of Indian Wells

World No. 1 Simona Halep punched her ticket to the Indian Wells semi-finals with a 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 win over Croatia&#39;s Petra Martic on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Halep improved to 18-1 on the season and is looking to win her second WTA Tour title of 2018.

Halep, of Romania, needed two hours and 23 minutes to put Martic away under taxing conditions as strong winds swirled around the main stadium court.

&quot;It was difficult conditions to play in today because of the wind,&quot; she said. &quot;It was tough to play, because the ball was really moving.

&quot;But I just tried everything. I tried also to push a little bit the ball and then to hit it. I tried to mix it up. Was not easy at all. For both of us it was difficult.&quot;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> finds the edge of the line after ???? this backhand! <a href="https://t.co/4SqPg4yVLF">pic.twitter.com/4SqPg4yVLF</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/974172594378346496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Halep moves on to the semi-finals where she will face Japan&#39;s Naomi Osaka who beat fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-3.&nbsp;

Halep is guaranteed to hold onto her No. 1 ranking at the end of this event after world number two Caroline Wozniacki was eliminated on Tuesday.

Halep blasted two aces and broke Martic&#39;s serve four times.

&quot;I just fought and that&#39;s maybe why I won because I refuse to lose,&quot; Halep said.

Halep won the final five games of the third set after being broken once and falling behind 3-1 early.

The turning point in the third set came for Halep after she won a challenge in the eighth game with Martic holding serve. On the very next point Martic hit a forehand wide as Halep took the game and a 5-3 set lead.

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Can you say <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SemiSimona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SemiSimona</a>?<a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> recaps her hard-fought <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BNPPARIBASOPEN</a> quarterfinal victory! <a href="https://t.co/vjsfbMHSOz">pic.twitter.com/vjsfbMHSOz</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/974136663625687040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Halep then served for the match, winning five of the final six points after the challenge. &nbsp;

Halep said her early struggles in the final set were from nerves and frustration with the playing conditions.

&quot;I calmed myself down a little bit more, and I just was more focused on what I have to do, and not thinking that much about the wind and what is going on on court.&nbsp;

&quot;I just fought till the end, and I think that&#39;s why I could win.&quot;

Halep is seeking her second Indian Wells title after beating Jelena Jankovic in 2015.

In the evening session, world No. 44 Osaka broke Pliskova&#39;s serve six times in her 78-minute upset on the main stadium court.

&quot;I returned the ball well,&quot; said Osaka. &quot;She is one of the best servers on tour and I was able to break her quite a few times so I am really happy about that.&quot;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a> continues her stellar run at <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BNPPARIBASOPEN</a>! 
 
Upsets Pliskova, 6-2, 6-3 to reach first Premier Mandatory semifinal of her career! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/xH1njVqn3O">pic.twitter.com/xH1njVqn3O</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/974150630322221056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pliskova, who reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in January, smashed five aces but made six double faults.

Pliskova was trying to reach the semi-finals in this event for the third consecutive year.

&quot;Everything was a little bit off from my side,&quot; Pliskova said. &quot;She was playing very well. Hitting her spots, forehands, even the backhands.&nbsp;

&quot;I just battling all the way, even in serving and returning. I was definitely not feeling the best.&quot;

&nbsp;

Japan's Naomi Osaka outplayed fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova to book a berth in the semi-final

World No. 1 Simona Halep punched her ticket to the Indian Wells semi-finals with a 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 win over Croatia's Petra Martic on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Halep improved to 18-1 on the season and is looking to win her second WTA Tour title of 2018. Halep, of Romania, needed two hours and 23 minutes to put Martic away under taxing conditions as strong winds swirled around the main stadium court. "It was difficult conditions to play in today because of the wind," she said. "It was tough to play, because the ball was really moving. "But I just tried everything. I tried also to push a little bit the ball and then to hit it. I tried to mix it up. Was not easy at all. For both of us it was difficult." .@Simona_Halep finds the edge of the line after ???? this backhand! pic.twitter.com/4SqPg4yVLF — WTA (@WTA) March 15, 2018 × Halep moves on to the semi-finals where she will face Japan's Naomi Osaka who beat fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-3. Halep is guaranteed to hold onto her No. 1 ranking at the end of this event after world number two Caroline Wozniacki was eliminated on Tuesday. Halep blasted two aces and broke Martic's serve four times. "I just fought and that's maybe why I won because I refuse to lose," Halep said. Halep won the final five games of the third set after being broken once and falling behind 3-1 early. The turning point in the third set came for Halep after she won a challenge in the eighth game with Martic holding serve. On the very next point Martic hit a forehand wide as Halep took the game and a 5-3 set lead. Can you say #SemiSimona?@Simona_Halep recaps her hard-fought @BNPPARIBASOPEN quarterfinal victory! pic.twitter.com/vjsfbMHSOz — WTA (@WTA) March 15, 2018 × Halep then served for the match, winning five of the final six points after the challenge. Halep said her early struggles in the final set were from nerves and frustration with the playing conditions. "I calmed myself down a little bit more, and I just was more focused on what I have to do, and not thinking that much about the wind and what is going on on court. "I just fought till the end, and I think that's why I could win." Halep is seeking her second Indian Wells title after beating Jelena Jankovic in 2015. In the evening session, world No. 44 Osaka broke Pliskova's serve six times in her 78-minute upset on the main stadium court. "I returned the ball well," said Osaka. "She is one of the best servers on tour and I was able to break her quite a few times so I am really happy about that." .@Naomi_Osaka_ continues her stellar run at @BNPPARIBASOPEN! Upsets Pliskova, 6-2, 6-3 to reach first Premier Mandatory semifinal of her career! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/xH1njVqn3O — WTA (@WTA) March 15, 2018 × Pliskova, who reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in January, smashed five aces but made six double faults. Pliskova was trying to reach the semi-finals in this event for the third consecutive year. "Everything was a little bit off from my side," Pliskova said. "She was playing very well. Hitting her spots, forehands, even the backhands. "I just battling all the way, even in serving and returning. I was definitely not feeling the best."

Simona Halep to face Japan's Naomi Osaka in semi-final of Indian Wells

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