Ann Li's run in Osaka ended in the semifinals, where fellow American Ashlyn Krueger edged her in a close contest. A day earlier, Li had shown real grit, saving three match points before sweeping the tiebreak 7-0 to book her semifinal spot.
Krueger beat Li in an all-American semifinal and moved into her second Osaka final.
In the quarterfinals, Li fought off three match points and then won the tiebreak without dropping a point.
Li was among Friday's winners in Osaka, alongside Katie Boulter, Krueger and Katerina Siniakova.
Ace Recap