Naomi Osaka is through to her first quarter-final in six months after beating Julia Grabher in straight sets at the Auckland Open. (More Tennis News)
Osaka🥃 needed just under an hour and a half to see off the Austrian 7-5 6-3 to reach the last eight of a competition for the first time since 's-Hertogenbosch in June.
🔴So far this season, the Japanese has not dropped a set, having also cruised past Lina Glushko in straight sets in the first round.
ಞShe had to overcome a brief rain delay on Wednesday but showed off some perfect serving, at 64%, while also saving both break points she faced on her way to clinching the first set.
✃"I've never played her before, so just getting into the groove of things is really difficult, especially because she doesn't have a traditional game style," Osaka told reporters.
🦄"After the rain delay, I was able to focus on the things I wanted to focus on a lot more, and I think that showed in the second set.
ౠ"I've said this for years, I'm not the most talented player, but I feel like I work the hardest and that gives me a lot of confidence. But when you get into a fistfight with another person, in the end, it's who wants it more.
🐷"Last year it was really difficult for me to get that mindset, and you could see that in a lot of my matches. I think the tennis was there throughout the whole entire year, but it was more of a mindset thing. I think now, here, I think I'm ready for the battle."
🀅Osaka is bidding to reach a first semi-final since returning to the tour last year after maternity leave and will face either Hailey Baptiste or Jodie Burrage for that spot.
