MELBOURNE, Australia — Naomi Osaka reached the Australian Open semifinals for the first time by stretching her Grand Slam winning streak to 12 matches.
The 21-year-old from Japan moved closer to a second consecutive major championship by parlaying her aggressive and powerful style into a 31-11 edge in winners that helped her put together a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Elina Svitolina on Wednesday at Melbourne Park.
"I tried to be consistent," the No. 4-seeded Osaka said, "or as consistent as I can."
She never had been past the fourth round at the Australian Open.
Osaka's semifinal opponent will be 23-time major champion Serena Williams or No.