Naomi Osaka vs. Lesia Tsurenko, Brisbane SF Preview

Brisbane International – SF Preview
?? (2) Naomi Osaka vs. ?? Lesia Tsurenko

Naomi Osaka continues her Brisbane International campaign on Saturday with a semi-final showdown against Lesia Tsurenko. Osaka is seemingly the player to beat this week in Brisbane after a sensational performance against Anastasija Sevastova in the quarter-finals. Osaka will be very confident heading into this match given her demolition of Tsurenko in their only previous meeting.

Osaka made a real statement in a 3-6 6-0 6-4 win over Anastasija Sevastova to reach the semi-finals in Brisbane. Osaka was outplayed in the first set and seemed destined for a third consecutive loss against the tricky Latvian. However, Osaka rallied and produced an extremely high level over the second and third sets to turn the match around and claim a critical win over a troublesome opponent.

Lesia Tsurenko also heads into this match with confidence having navigated her way to the semi-finals in Brisbane without dropping a set. Tsurenko started the week with a 6-0 6-2 thrashing of Mihaela Buzarnescu before claiming a comfortable 6-4 6-3 win against Kimberly Birrell. Tsurenko’s greatest test came at the quarter-final stage where she defeated Anett Kontaveit 7-5 6-3, a good win over a dangerous opponent.

Osaka smashed Tsurenko 6-1 6-1 at the quarter-final stage of the US Open last year in their only previous meeting. Can Tsurenko can this match more competitive and take down the reigning US Open champion?

To view my analysis / prediction for this match: Click here