Photo credit: Naomi Osaka (X)
Naomi Osaka is into the semifinals of the Mubadala Citi DC Open for the first time. The No. 3 seed defeated Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 today, overcoming a rocky start to close out the match with steadier serving and sharper returns as the contest progressed.
Osaka struggled to find her rhythm early, dropping the first set as Cocciaretto controlled the serve-and-return exchanges. From there, Osaka gradually took control, finishing with nine aces to Cocciaretto’s one and winning 92 total points compared to her opponent’s 81. Osaka also converted five break points to Cocciaretto’s four, a narrow edge that ultimately shaped the final scoreline.
How the match shifted set by set
Cocciaretto opened strong, taking the first set 6-4 by putting more first serves in play and protecting her own service games effectively. She converted two breaks in that set while limiting Osaka’s opportunities on return, building an early lead that looked comfortable at the time.
Osaka responded in the second set by sharpening her first-serve effectiveness and applying more pressure on return. She won more service points and more receiver points than Cocciaretto in that set, leveling the match at one set apiece. The third set turned into a decisive display from Osaka, who dominated second-serve points and put together a match-best run of ten straight points. That surge effectively settled the match without either player needing a tiebreak.
View this post on Instagram
What this win means for Osaka’s season
This marks Osaka’s second semifinal of the season and continues a strong recent stretch in which she has won ten of her last twelve matches. The result also gives her the 20th hard-court semifinal appearance of her career, reinforcing her consistency on the surface throughout her time on tour.
Osaka advanced to the quarterfinals after American Ashlyn Krueger retired while trailing 6-3, 3-1. Cocciaretto, ranked No. 71, reached the quarterfinals by defeating No. 8 seed Emma Navarro and Denmark’s Clara Tauson in three-set matches of her own.
Osaka now moves on to face the winner of the match between Filipino rising star Alexandra Eala and Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, the No. 2 seed. That semifinal matchup sets up another significant test as Osaka continues building momentum heading into the second half of the season.
About the Author
