"naomi-osaka"

"I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not idea and my message could have been clearer."

The Japanese player had defeated Romania's Patricia Maria Tig 6-4 7-6 (7-4) late on Sunday but did not turn up to face media.

The French Open is scheduled to begin on Sunday in Paris. Osaka heads into the clay-court tournament ranked No. 2 in the world.

The World Team of the Year award was picked by the Bayern Munich football team. The Athlete Advocate of the Year was won by Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton for his continuous efforts to raise social awareness

Osaka has now won a staggering 23 consecutive matches as she eased past Mertens after just under an hour and a half of play.

The Japanese sets up summit clash with Jennifer Brady.

"Then I sort of eased my way into it. For me, I think the biggest thing is just having fun and it's the first day having the crowd in a while ... it's always an honour to play her. I just didn't want to go out like really bad, so I just wanted to try my best."

Osaka also played excellent defense, such as in the final game, when she raced forward to chase down a drop shot, flicking a backhand cross-court for a winner.

Osaka defeated Spain's Garbine Muguruza 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 in the fourth round at the Rod Laver Arena to make it to the quarterfinals.

No. 3-ranked Osaka pulled out of her Gippsland Trophy semifinal against Elise Mertens, citing a "niggling injury."