Two-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka has said she is ‘super grateful‘ to have the opportunity to take on Serena’s Williams at the Rogers Cup in Toronto.
The former world No.1 booked a quarter-final clash with the American after downing Poland’s Iga Świątek 7-6(4), 6-4, in her third round match. Saving two set points during the first set and firing nine aces past her opponent. Booking a place in the last eight of a WTA Tournament for the sixth time this season.
“I think the key, I just kept trying to fight for every point, not get too down on myself,” Osaka commented about her third round win. “I just tried to know that I have more experience than her, so maybe in the critical points I have the edge. “
Osaka’s reward is a clash with 23-time grand slam champion Williams on Friday. It will be the first meeting between the two since their dramatic encounter at the US Open last year. Where Williams received a game penalty and later a fine for a fallout with umpire Carlos Ramos. Williams defeated Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-5, 6-4, in her third round match in Toronto.
“I haven’t played Serena in what feels like forever. So I think I’m going to be surprised when I start playing with her tomorrow too.” She said.
“But for me, the most impressive thing that I saw tonight was her movement. Like, she’s a crazy good mover, just sliding. So hopefully I can learn that from her.”
The 21-year-old leads her rival 2-0 in their head-to-head. Also, defeating Williams in straight sets at the 2018 BNP Paribas Open where Osaka claimed her first WTA title. A win in Toronto would be a much needed boost for the Japanese player, who last defeated a top 20 player back in January at the Australian Open.
It isn’t just a place in the semi-finals at stake for Osaka this week. She is also in with a chance of reclaiming the world No.1 spot if she outperforms Karolina Pliskova this week. However, her immediate focus is taking on her idol.
“I’m just really excited.” Osaka revealed. “I grew up watching her. So whenever I get the opportunity to play her, like, it’s something that I feel is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Williams will be hoping to end her losing streak against the current world No.2. It is the first time she has reached the quarter-final of a non-grand slam event since the 2016 Italian Open.
“I’ve been actually looking forward to playing her for a while. She’s had a great year earlier in the season, and she’s still doing pretty good, actually. So it would be really good to play her again.” Said Williams.
The quarter-final clash between Osaka and Williams will get underway on Friday evening not before 19:00 local time.
