Osaka into China Open semifinals with win over Zhang
Posted October 05, 2018 7:00 am
BEIJING (AP) - Naomi Osaka powered into the semifinals of the China Open on Friday with a come-from-behind 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 win over hometown favorite Zhang Shuai.
The U.S. Open champion repeatedly found the net in the first set before regaining her rhythm, taking Zhang to five break points in the first game of the second set to help turn the tide of the match.
Osaka faced frustration in the third set as Zhang, cheered on by the Chinese crowd, ran to a 4-1 lead, but Osaka battled back for the win.
Following the match, the Japanese player praised her opponent saying, "It was really hard to play against her here."
___
More AP tennis coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/apf-Tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Naomi Osaka of Japan throws her racket to the court while competing against Zhang Shuai of China in their quarterfinal women's singles match in the China Open at the Lotus Court in Beijing, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
The Associated Press
Zhang Shuai of China hits a return shot while competing against Naomi Osaka of Japan in their quarterfinal women's singles match in the China Open at the Lotus Court in Beijing, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
The Associated Press
Naomi Osaka of Japan reacts while competing against Zhang Shuai of China in their quarterfinal women's singles match in the China Open at the Lotus Court in Beijing, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
The Associated Press
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.