China Open: 'Stressed' Naomi Osaka struggling to 'prove herself'

Naomi Osaka, 20, says the pressure of expectation after her US Open win is causing her "stress" as the Japanese world number six tries to "prove" herself.

Osaka's first Grand Slam win last month was overshadowed by Serena Williams'

row with the umpire.

"I think definitely as the weeks go by, I have this feeling of wanting to prove myself," said Osaka.

"I think that takes a toll a little bit because I stress myself out."

Osaka missed out on becoming the first player in 2018 to reach three consecutive finals, losing 6-4 6-4 to Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova in the semi-finals of the China Open in Beijing.

Against world number 20 Sevastova, Osaka was broken once in the first set to concede the opener in 46 minutes.

Sevastova broke again for a 4-2 lead in the second set against a visibly struggling Osaka, who was complaining of a back injury.

The world number six briefly rallied after a medical timeout and drew level at 4-4 with a break of her own.

But Sevastova reclaimed the break before sealing victory in 91 minutes on her first match point.

"Naomi is one of the best players this year so you need to be aggressive and concentrate," said Sevastova, who will play world number two Caroline Wozniacki in the final. Wozniacki beat Chinese wildcard Wang Qiang 6-1 6-3 in 82 minutes.