Kiki Bertens advances at WTA Finals as Naomi Osaka retires
From sneaking in via the back door to semi-finalist at the WTA Finals, Kiki Bertens’ magical 2018 season continues.
The Dutchwoman only booked her place in the season-ending event in Singapore after world No 1 Simona Halep was forced to retire, but now she finds herself in the last four.
Bertens, who beat Angelique Kerber in her first match and then lost against Sloane Stephens on Tuesday, advanced after Naomi Osaka retired during their final Red Group match on Friday.
US Open champion Osaka had to win to stay alive after she lost her opening two matches, but it was Bertens who won the opening set 6-3 and then the 21-year-old Japanese player retired injured.
.@kikibertens in through to the @WTAFinalsSG semifinal!
As @Naomi_Osaka_ is forced to retire due to injury. pic.twitter.com/I6kjCADz6o
— WTA (@WTA) October 26, 2018
World No 9 Bertens will face either Elina Svitolina or Karolina Pliskova in the play-offs with the final semi-finalist to be decided later in the day when Kerber takes on Stephens.
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