Osaka makes quick work of Hsieh in Australian Open quarter-finals

The first quarterfinal of the Australian Open saw Naomi Osaka cruise past Hsieh Su-wei 6-2, 6-2 on Tuesday. Osaka struck 24 winners compared to only 14 unforced errors while advancing in just one hour and six minutes.

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Osaka wins big points in first set

At age 35, Hsieh was playing in her first Grand Slam quarter-final. The current doubles world No 1 had been befuddling her singles opponents in Melbourne, but she had no answer for Osaka’s power. Hsieh had chances in the opening set, but in three of the first five games she had at least one game point and ended up losing it. That led to a 4-1 lead for Osaka, who closed out the set shortly thereafter.

.@naomiosaka closes out the first set!

She takes the opener from Hsieh 6-2 🎾#AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/gY7eTerYqX

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 16, 2021

Off to the races

There was no coming back for Hsieh in the second set. Osaka dropped only five service points in the entire set, two two more breaks of her opponent’s serve were more than enough to get the job done. The world No 3 broke serve in a long eighth game to clinch victory in style, converting her third match point.

CHECKMATE. ♛@naomiosaka continues her 19-match winning streak, defeating Hsieh Su-wei 6-2, 6-2 to reach the @AustralianOpen semifinal. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/okTPBImJCi

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 16, 2021

“(I’m) definitely really happy,” Osaka assured. “I’m really happy with the way I played today too. Even though the score was like this it was another battle for me. She’s able to hit winners from both sides and you never know when she’s about to go for it.”

Next up for Osaka is either Serena Williams or Simona Halep. Those two Grand Slam champions will contest the nigh-session match on Tuesday.