Serena Williams is set to take on Naomi Osaka for the first time since the controversial 2018 US Open final in the quarter-finals of the Rogers Cup.
Osaka defeated Polish teen Iga Swiatek 7-6 (4), 6-4 after one hour and 51 minutes to book her slot in Toronto, while Williams took 91 minutes to win against Russia's 48th-ranked Ekaterina Alexandrova.
"I've actually been looking forward to playing her," said Williams. "Both players are playing well in this tournament in particular, so I'll be ready for her."
Meanwhile, Osaka described Williams as her "tennis mom" during her on-court interview. "She’s someone that I grew up watching and admire so much."
Baptiste's variety drags Sabalenka out of comfort zone in Madrid shock
FIFA to increase financial distribution to all 48 World Cup teams by 15%
Sabalenka stunned by Baptiste in Madrid Open quarter-finals
Palestinian football body appeals to sports court over FIFA Israel ruling
Holders PSG edge Bayern 5-4 in record-breaking semi-final first leg
