Osaka in Brisbane International semis

Brisbane, Jan 3 (IANS) Japan's Naomi Osaka on Thursday defeated Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia 3-6, 6-0, 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International.

The US Open champion defeated her rival to reach the tournament's semifinals for the first time in her career in an hour and 31 minutes, reports Efe news.

"In the first set, I was really nervous and I feel like I was making a lot of unforced errors. That was probably the biggest reason why I lost it, but she is a really amazing player and it is always great to play her," the 21-year-old said, according to the WTA website.

"I was just trying to stay calm and tell myself that she is one of the best players in the world. I just had to stay in there and find my chances, just trying to roll with it," she added.

Before their Brisbane International match, the world No.5 played against Sevastova twice and was beaten on both occasions.

Osaka will square off against the winner of the match between Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko and Estonia's Anett Kontaveit next.