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Naomi Osaka into Western and Southern Open final; Johanna Konta loses to Azarenka

Naomi Osaka reached the Western and Southern Open final with a straight-set victory over Elise Mertens.

Japan's fourth seed defeated Belgium's Mertens 6-2 7-6 (7-5) and will play Victoria Azarenka in the final.

Belarusian Azarenka fought back from a set down to beat Britain's Johanna Konta 4-6 6-4 6-1 in their semi-final.

Osaka's semi-final was due to take place on Thursday but tournament organisers suspended play for a day in protest against racial inequality.

It came after Osaka had pulled out of the match, saying that "as a black woman I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand".