Naomi Osaka blasted 18 aces in her semifinal match agaisnt Belinda Bencic and that's a new record for season.
Bencic, who had defeated Osaka three times in a row leading into the
contest, made the stronger start of the two and took the first set 6-4. But the unseeded Osaka, who received a wildcard for this tournament,
battled back to take the next two sets and seal victory in two hours,
six minutes.
The Japanese star is still searching for her first trophy since the
2021 Australian Open but will have the chance to claim her eighth career
title when she meets Iga Swiatek on Saturday. Her impressive serve was a feature of her play and it has been a valuable weapon for her all-tournament so far.
In total, Osaka served 18 aces –– the most in a single match for any
player on tour this season –– eclipsing the 17 Ashleigh Barty hit
against Sofia Kenin in Adelaide.