Defending champion:
Petra Kvitová (10) who defeated Kiki Bertens 7-6(6) 4-6 6-3
Quarter finals:
- Naomi Osaka (1) v Belinda Bencic
The pair had met twice previously, once way back in 2013, barely out of nappies, and Osaka won that match; but more significantly this year in Indian Wells, Bencic carved up the world number one for the loss of only four games.
Osaka served first, and the initial three games went to serve. Bencic worked hardest early, having to save a break point in the second game. This was done thanks to Osaka overhitting a forehand.
The players exchanged breaks of serve in games four and five, and after six games it was even.
In game eight, Bencic served and had the lead 30-15. However a double fault and backhand pulled wide gave Osaka break point. Another double fault confirmed the break, and Osaka led 5-3 with serve to come.
The top seed took the set on the second of three set points. 6-3.
Bencic was down a break point on three separate occasions in the opening game of set two, before holding on to serve. The Swiss #1 edged ahead for the first time of the match - Osaka down 15-30, then a failed backhand provided Bencic two break chances. The first disappeared with a backhand error effectively forced by Osaka, but an excellent deep return rushed Osaka and an error resulted, breaking her and leaving Bencic 2-0 to the good.
As per set one, the mid stages of set two saw an exchange of service breaks in successive games, the outcome seeing Bencic in control 4-2. After holding serve, Bencic required Osaka to do the same in order to remain in contention for the set. The #1 didn’t begin the task well, a forehand long and a backhand wide. 30-30 was redeemed following a fortunate net cord and an ace, but another wide backhand donated set point to Bencic. She ate it up with a sizzling backhand down the line winner to level the match at a set all 3-6 6-2.
It was 2-2 in the decider, without a service break, although in the opening two games, each player had to save a pair of break points.
Bencic was the first to lapse, broken to love in the fifth game.
Osaka was put through all her paces in consolidating the break, taken to deuce five times, successfully fending off two break points, and then seeing three game points float into the ether, before finally holding on to lead 4-2.
Osaka found it a whole lot easier the next time at the line, a love game taking her to within a game of victory 5-3.
Bencic led 40-15, but slipped to deuce, and just two points from exiting Madrid. She rallied and held on to some hope at 4-5, but her fate lay predominantly in the Japanese racquet.
Serving at 5-4 for a place in the final four, Osaka would win just 2 of the remaining 12 points in the match.
Bencic broke her to love, proceeded to hold serve to 15 and led 6-5, placing the onus back on Osaka to hold and stay alive.
Bencic broke on the first of two match points and took home the chocolates 3-6 6-2 7-5.
- Simona Halep (3 defeated Ashleigh Barty (9) 7-5 7-5
- Sloane Stephens (8) defeated Petra Martic 6-4 6-3
- Kiki Bertens (7) defeated Petra Kvitová (2) 6-2 6-3
Semi final match ups
Belinda Bencic v Simona Halep (3)
Sloane Stephens (8) v Kiki Bertens (7)
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