An all-American showdown is on the horizon in Osaka. Top-seeded Ann Li pulled off a gritty comeback against Austrian teenager Lilli Tagger, winning 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(0) to book her spot in the semifinals. Meanwhile, fellow American Ashlyn Krueger didn’t need a tiebreak, crushing fourth-seeded Australian Talia Gibson 6-1, 6-3 to set up the clash.
Li, the 2023 champion, is playing some of the best tennis of her career. The 26-year-old, who has already taken down Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek this season, is heading to her seventh career final if she wins against Krueger. She holds a perfect 2-0 record against Krueger, including a straight-set win in Beijing just weeks ago.
On the other side of the draw, eighth-seeded Katie Boulter fought past Antonia Ruzic 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. Boulter will face doubles world No. 1 Katerina Siniakova, who cruised past American qualifier Mary Stoiana 6-1, 6-2.
