Naomi Osaka stays on course for second successive Grand Slam title as US Open champion beats Anastasija Sevastova in three sets in Melbourne
- Naomi Osaka had to come from behind to beat No 13 seed Anastasija Sevastova
- US Open champion and No 4 seed Osaka eventually came through 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
- This was Osaka’s 11th-straight victory in all Grand Slam competitions
Naomi Osaka fought her way into the quarter finals of the Australian Open by seeing off Anastasija Sevastova in three sets.
US Open champion Osaka had to come from behind to beat the Latvian No 13 seed, eventually triumphing 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Osaka, seeded fourth in Melbourne, will play No 6 ranked Elina Svitolina for a place in the final four.
Naomi Osaka fought into the last eight of the Australian Open against Anastasija Sevastova
It was an impressive comeback by the Japanese star, who was outplayed in the first set but showed her mettle to haul herself back into the match.
She broke Sevastova early in the final set to go 2-0 up, however the Latvian broke back after seven deuces.
However Osaka held her nerve and broke back immediately, before clinging on and seeing out the match in front of plenty of Japanese fans in the arena.
After going all the way at Flushing Meadows last September, this was Osaka’s 11th-straight victory in Grand Slam competition.
Latvian Sevastova won the opening set but was eventually bested 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 by Osaka