Osaka makes history at the BNP Paribas Open

By Nina Pantic Mar 15, 2018
Nadal's farewell

Serena Williams lists the ways that Rafael Nadal inspired her in tribute to retiring Spaniard

By Baseline Staff Nov 19, 2024
Nadal's farewell

'Your old friend is always cheering for you': Roger Federer pens letter to retiring Rafael Nadal

By Baseline Staff Nov 19, 2024
Your Game

Babolat pays tribute to Rafael Nadal with retirement video, specially-designed racquet bag

By Jon Levey Nov 19, 2024
Nadal's farewell

22 Rafael Nadal quotes that sum up his fighting spirit and unique sense of humor

By Stephanie Livaudais Nov 18, 2024
The Business of Tennis

Jannik Sinner surpasses 30 million dollars in career prize money after winning ATP Finals

By John Berkok Nov 18, 2024
The Business of Tennis

ATP Finals contract with Italy extended for five more years to 2030, with location ‘under evaluation’

By Associated Press Nov 18, 2024
The Business of Tennis

No rest for the weary! Zheng Qinwen's off-season kicks off with new Audi sponsorship and Gatorade event

By Baseline Staff Nov 17, 2024
Social

Jasmine Paolini still on the hunt for ‘legendary selfie’ with Rafael Nadal in Malaga

By Baseline Staff Nov 17, 2024
Betting Central

Pick of the Day: Jannik Sinner meets Taylor Fritz for ATP Finals trophy

By Zachary Cohen Nov 17, 2024

Osaka makes history at the BNP Paribas Open

ByNina Pantic

Published Mar 15, 2018

With yet another solid win on Wednesday in Indian Wells, Naomi Osaka made history. Her 6-2, 6-3 win over world No. 5 Karolina Pliskova makes her the first Japanese woman to reach a Premier Mandatory semifinal.

Advertising

"I'm happy, but also I feel like it's cooler to go to the finals and win it, so I'm going to try to do that," Osaka said. "I feel like I want to break records for male and female. I'm coming for Kei [Nishikori]. So that would be a cool thing to do."

Her countrywoman Kimiko Date, a former world No. 4, was a semifinalist in 1996 but the event was a Tier II tournament back then.

Advertising

The 20-year-old Osaka has enjoyed a career-best week with straight-set wins over established champions Maria Sharapova, Agnieszka Radwanska and Pliskova.

Osaka may take some time getting accustomed to her growing fame. Notoriously shy, she got starstruck trying to get a photo with Novak Djokovic's conquerer Taro Daniel.

"I would think that he's more famous because he beat Djokovic. So Djokovic, you know," Osaka said.