Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina have both advanced to the semifinals of the WTA Auckland Tennis Tournament (ASB Classic), marking significant moments in the careers of these two players as they re-establish themselves on the WTA tour. On January 3, 2025, Osaka, the former world number one, produced a stunning comeback to defeat Hailey Baptiste with scores of 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2. This victory marks Osaka's first semifinal appearance since the 2022 final at Miami, and it showcases her determination to return to the top of women's tennis.
Osaka expressed her confidence following the match, stating, "Ho grande fiducia in me stessa. L'anno scorso ho lavorato tanto, anche se i risultati non l'hanno dimostrato, e sto continuando a provarci il più duramente possibile." (I have great confidence in myself. Last year I worked hard, even if the results didn't show it, and I keep trying as hard as possible.) This win came after battling through rigorous conditions, including two brief rain interruptions. The match highlighted Osaka's ability to remain composed under pressure and her improvement at the service line, where she won 80% of points on her first serve during the second set.
Now ranked 57th, Osaka has shown resilience after struggling with injuries and inconsistent performances over the past couple of years. "For certain aspects, I'm glad I played three sets; it's the experience I need," she added, emphasizing the importance of match experience as she gears up for the semifinal.
Rybakina, who recently teamed up with renowned coach Goran Ivanisevic, also had her moment of triumph at the tournament. Under Ivanisevic's guidance, the Wimbledon 2022 champion is aiming to regain her form after experiencing difficulties during the latter part of 2024. She has demonstrated tactical improvements and expressed her determination to compete effectively against the best on the WTA tour, stating her aspiration to win Grand Slam titles again.
Having made significant adjustments to her game, Rybakina is now poised for a thrilling match against top-ranked Iga Swiatek, who looms as her next challenge. Ivanisevic’s insights on her game have been pivotal: "Deve stare più avanti in campo e attaccare di più, ha tutte le potenzialità per farlo" (She needs to stay more forward on the court and attack more; she has all the potential to do so).
The collaboration between Rybakina and Ivanisevic has already begun to yield fruit, with the Kazakh player appearing more relaxed and confident on the court. This newfound partnership has reignited expectations among fans and analysts alike about her potential to reclaim her place among the world’s elite players. The tactical emphasis on aggression and maximizing her powerful serve is indicative of the high hopes resting on Rybakina's shoulders.
Both Osaka and Rybakina’s journeys at the WTA Auckland Tennis Tournament exemplify not just personal comebacks but also serve as potent reminders of the challenges athletes face and their relentless pursuit of excellence. With their semifinal matches set for January 6, 2025, tennis enthusiasts eagerly await what promises to be thrilling encounters as each player strives to emerge victorious and move one step closer to the tournament title.