Naomi Osaka storms over Su-Wei Hsieh to enter last four

The three-time Major champion Naomi Osaka has stayed on the course for her second Australian Open crown following a one-sided 6-2, 6-2 victory over Su-Wei Hsieh in 66 minutes.

The Japanese served at only 48%, but no one could notice that, firing seven aces and losing only 13 points in eight service games. Hsieh, the lowest-ranked player left in the draw, wasted all three break chances and gave serve away twice in each set, powerless against Osaka's mighty groundstrokes and 24 winners. Naomi saved a break point in the opening game to avoid an early setback and painted a backhand down the line winner at 2-1 to seize the fourth break chance and open the lead.

The Japanese defended two more break chances in the next game and closed the opener with her second break at 5-2 following Hsieh's backhand error. Osaka closed the second set's opening game with a service winner and grabbed a break a few minutes later thanks to a loose backhand from Su-Wei. Naomi cemented the lead with a backhand winner in game three and held after deuce in game five to maintain the advantage.

The former champion clinched the seventh game with a forehand crosscourt winner and moved over the top with another successful return game at 5-2. Naomi will face Serena Williams or Simona Halep in the semi-final.