The four-time Grand Slam champion will now play new world No. 1 Iga Swiatek for the title in Osaka’s first final since last year’s Australian Open.
Osaka, who has been struggling for form since her hiatus from the sport, bounced back from defeat to beat her Swiss opponent 4-6 6-3 6-4 in an entertaining semifinal.
“[I was]just struggling with my inner thoughts, trying to know that I have to play point at a time and adjust when I have to, but try not to overwhelm myself with my thoughts,” she told reporters.
“I feel like if I had been negative for a split second I would have lost the match today.
“I need to keep pumping myself up and I haven’t played as many games as a lot of these other players so I just need to keep learning.”
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‘So grateful’
At Indian Wells last month, Osaka was molested by a spectator at the start of their second-round match against Veronika Kudermetova.
The spectator seemed to scream, “Naomi, you shit!” and Osaka looked shaken, losing the first set 6-0 and finally losing the match in straight sets.
Osaka has since confirmed that she has started seeing a therapist to address her mental health after revealing she had been suffering from depression last year.
But it seems Osaka is now getting back to her best tennis and has a chance to win another title against an unfamiliar opponent.
The pair have only met once so far, with Osaka winning in straight sets in 2019. However, Swiatek will be No. 1 in the women’s world on Monday as she looks to continue her 16-game winning streak.
The final takes place on Saturday and Osaka is looking forward to getting back on the pitch.
“You know what’s going on, but I’m so grateful right now,” she said tweeted. “Cheers to the ups and downs of life that make me appreciate this moment even more.
“We’re back in a final, see you on Saturday.”