The semifinals of the 2016 Toray Pan Pacific Open are set as four players are left in the draw following Friday’s quarterfinal play.
The first semifinal will be played between Agnieszka Radwanska and Caroline Wozniacki. While Radwanska punched her semifinal ticket by beating Monica Puig in straight sets, Wozniacki ended a spectacular run of Poland’s Magda Linette.
While the first two semifinalists are not a particularly big surprise, the appearance of Elina Svitolina in the other semifinal can be considered that, as the Ukrainian beat none other than Garbine Muguruza to book her spot in the round of the last four. This continues an excellent season for Svitolina, who has already beaten Serena Williams earlier this year.
Speaking of continuing a great season, that very much applies to Naomi Osaka also, as the Japanese future star made her first-ever WTA semifinal, and in front of her home crowd no less. Osaka got there by beating a surprise quarterfinalist Aliaksandra Sasnovich. The 18-year old clinched her win in impressive fashion, winning in straight sets despite being down 0-5 in the second set, brushing off the pressure of the occasion like an experienced pro player.
PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS DAYS AT THE 2016 TORAY PAN PACIFIC OPEN:
- Thursday: Muguruza & Pliskova kick off their Tokyo campaigns
- Wednesday: Puig & Osaka progress at the Toray Pan Pacific Open
- Tuesday: Kimono fun and matches under Ariake Coliseum’s roof on another rainy day
- Monday: Naomi Osaka and Monica Puig progress on a rainy day
