US Open champion Naomi Osaka advanced to the semi-finals of the Pan Pacific Open by beating Barbora Strycova 6-3 6-4 on Friday.
The third-seeded Osaka converted all three of her break points and won 80 per cent of points on her first serve.
Osaka became the first Japanese player to win a grand slam singles title when she upset 23-time major champion Serena Williams in New York.
"This was my third time playing her, and each time it was very close, so I knew she was very good," said the third-seeded Osaka,.
Osaka will next face Camila Giorgi, who advancd after Victoria Azarenka retired from their match in the first set. Giorgi was leading 5-3 when the match ended.
Also, fourth-seeded Karolina Pliskova defeated Alison Riske 6-1 6-7 (7-5) 7-6 (7-4). She will next play Donna Vekic, who beat second-seeded Caroline Garcia 6-3 6-4.
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