Naomi Osaka still on course for rankings boost after impressive Brisbane fightback

Naomi Osaka powered back from a set down to overcome Anastasija Sevastova at the Brisbane International.

The US Open champion gave herself an on-court pep-talk after losing the first set, and it clearly made a difference as she needed just 21 minutes to win the second set to love.

That saw the momentum shift and allowed Osaka to close out an impressive 3-6 6-0 6-4 win in Pat Rafter Arena.

“She’s an amazing player,” Osaka said of Sevastova.

“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 get a chance and I think I did. I just rolled with it.”

Should Osaka win the event, she will receive a big rankings boost that could see her going into the Australian Open as high as number three in the world.

More from Tennis365:

• • Rafael Nadal will be a more aggressive player in 2019, coach warns rivals

  • Warning signs are flashing for Andy Murray as he prepares his final comeback attempt

  • Gallery of stars Down Under: Roger Federer with a western rock lobster, Naomi Osaka with a python

  • Novak Djokovic: ‘Beating Roger Federer record my major career goal’

  • EXCLUSIVE: Judy Murray identifies one reason why her sons have reached the top