Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka continued her impressive comeback journey by defeating Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) to book her spot in the US Open 2025 semi-finals. This marks Osaka’s first Grand Slam semi-final appearance since her 2021 Australian Open triumph, and her first since becoming a mother to daughter Shai in July 2023.
“It’s my first time in a semi now [since becoming a mother],” Osaka said. “I was sitting up there watching and hoping I could have the opportunity to play on this court again. This is like my dream is coming true.”
The 27-year-old will now face American Amanda Anisimova, who stunned Iga Swiatek earlier in the tournament. A win would make Osaka the first mother to reach a Grand Slam final since Victoria Azarenka in 2020. If she wins the title, she would join Kim Clijsters as the only women to lift a Slam after giving birth.
Match Highlights
Osaka initially struggled against Muchova’s strong serve but broke decisively at 5-4 to seal the opening set. Muchova, hindered by a thigh injury that required medical treatment, fought back in the second set with an early break. However, Osaka quickly responded and forced a tie-break after breaking Muchova at love in the tenth game.
The Japanese star dominated the tie-break, taking a 4-1 lead before closing out the match with a trademark smile.
“It was an incredibly difficult match,” Osaka said. “She’s one of the best players in the world – every time I play her it’s so difficult. Last year she beat me here when I had one of my best outfits, so I was really upset.”
Osaka’s Comeback Journey
Since parting ways with Patrick Mouratoglou in July, Osaka has shown renewed form under coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, who previously guided Swiatek to four Grand Slam titles. She reached the Montreal Open final last month and has carried that momentum into New York, beating three seeded players on her way to the last four.
“It means so much. I am so surprised I’m not crying,” Osaka said after the win. “There’s so much hard work that you guys haven’t seen but I am really grateful to my team and happy to be healthy.”
With Osaka just two wins away from her fifth Grand Slam title, fans are witnessing one of the most inspiring comeback stories in modern tennis.
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