TennisNH

Naomi Osaka reaches first quarter-final in nearly two years at Qatar Open

14-Feb-2024 17:17:51 | Guardian

• Four-time major winner benefits from Tsurenko injury
• Karolina Pliskova awaits in last eight in Doha

It has taken patience and perspective after her tentative first steps back into the brutal world of professional tennis, but Naomi Osaka’s comeback is beginning to pick up steam as she reached her first quarter-final in nearly two years, at the Qatar Open.

On Wednesday, Osaka was due to face Lesia Tsurenko in their third-round match but the Ukrainian withdrew with an elbow injury. The walkover was preceded by two strong victories for the former world No 1 at the WTA 1000 event.