Osaka, Japan, 11 October 2013 | tennis.com.au

Overcoming the loss of the second set, Sam Stosur has progressed to just her second semifinal of 2013 with victory over Misaki Doi at the HP Japan Open in Osaka.

Stosur defeated the diminutive Japanese player 6-1 3-6 6-3 in one hour and 38 minutes, setting up a semifinal stoush with sixth seed Madison Keys.

The rapidly-rising 18-year-old American, ranked No.39, ousted Zheng Jie for the loss of just four games in an earlier quarterfinal on Friday in Osaka.

Stosur’s serve was on song throughout the contest; the Australian smacked 12 aces to just three double faults, and finished the match having won more than 80 per cent of points on her first delivery.

The result continues Stosur’s excellent record at the WTA International event; she’s now reached the semifinals on four occasions, winning the inaugural title in 2009 and finishing runner-up in 2011.

Stosur defeated Keys in their only prior meeting in straight sets earlier this season at Indian Wells.