In the quarterfinals, Stearns will face Danielle Collins, who knocked out reigning champion Iga Swiatek or Elina Svitolina, after coming through an attritional match that lasted two hours and 43 minutes on a baking centre court.

Osaka is another big name that American Stearns has beaten in Rome, having also knocked out fifth seed Madison Keys in the previous round.

The former world number one has looked far from the player who won four Grand Slam titles, since returning last year from a 15-month break from tennis following the birth of her daughter. Her comeback was further hampered by an abdominal injury that forced her to withdraw from the Australian Open. Early exits at Indian Wells and Madrid have also underlined how far she still is from her best form.

--Reuters--