Osaka, Pegula reach Miami semi-finals

Japan’s Naomi Osaka (left) shakes hands with Danielle Collins of the US after their singles quarter-final in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. (USA TODAY Sports)

Naomi Osaka moved into the Miami Open semi-finals with another impressive performance as an out-of-sorts American Danielle Collins was brushed aside at the Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday. The clinical Japanese star, yet to drop a set in this tournament, won 6-2, 6-1 and will meet Swiss Olympic gold medal winner Belinda Bencic in the last four. Collins, who appeared to be struggling with a neck injury and has been suffering with a viral infection, will return to the top 10 when the rankings are released on Monday having briefly been there following her run to the Australian Open final earlier this year. But Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has been in fine form in south Florida and on this evidence will take a lot of stopping if she is to be denied the title this weekend. Bencic, the world number 28, who beat Australia’s Daria Saville 6-1,6-2, Meanwhile Jessica Pegula advanced to the semi-finals of the Miami Open after world number six Paula Badosa retired during the first set of their quarter-final clash. Pegula was leading 4-1 when fifth seed Badosa called the trainer. After a brief discussion, it was decided the Spaniard was unable to carry on.