Naomi Osaka’s Dream Return to the US Open Semis
Naomi Osaka has made her way back into the spotlight at the 2025 US Open, and what a moment it has been. After defeating Karolina Muchova in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6, Osaka secured her place in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time since winning the Australian Open in 2021. For her, this isn’t just about advancing in the tournament—it’s about rediscovering herself as both a player and a mother.
This run feels especially powerful because Osaka had been away from tennis for more than a year, stepping back to welcome her daughter, Shai, in July 2023. The decision to pause her career was monumental, and the comeback hasn’t been easy. Yet on the grand stage of Arthur Ashe Stadium, she showed once again why she is considered one of the most dangerous competitors in the game. She described the moment as her “dream coming true,” admitting that she had once only sat watching matches, wishing for another chance to step on that court. Now, she’s living that dream.
Also Read:The quarter-final against Muchova was no walkover. Osaka started by struggling to handle her opponent’s strong serve but managed to find her rhythm just when it mattered. At 5-4 in the first set, she pounced with three break points and closed it out. The second set was even tougher—Muchova, despite a leg injury and heavy strapping on her thigh, pushed Osaka hard. There were moments of frustration, especially when Osaka handed over a break with unforced errors at 4-4. But champions are often defined by their ability to recover, and Osaka did just that. She broke back at love, steadied herself, and stormed through the tie-break to clinch the match with a smile that said it all.
What makes this run even more compelling is Osaka’s coaching change. After parting ways with Patrick Mouratoglou earlier in the summer, she teamed up with Tomasz Wiktorowski, the coach credited with guiding Iga Swiatek to multiple majors. Since then, Osaka has been on an upward curve—reaching the Montreal final last month and now carving through seeded opponents in New York. The partnership appears to have reignited her confidence and sharpened her game.
Up next, she faces Amanda Anisimova, who has been playing with equal determination after avenging her Wimbledon defeat to Iga Swiatek. If Osaka wins, she won’t just be in another final—she would join the rare group of women, like Victoria Azarenka and Kim Clijsters, who returned from motherhood to contest or even win Grand Slam titles.
For now, Osaka is simply grateful. She told the crowd she was surprised not to be crying, given how much hard work went unseen behind the scenes. Her gratitude extended to her team and her joy in being healthy enough to compete again. The US Open has always been special for her, and this year, it carries even deeper meaning. Whether or not she lifts the trophy, Naomi Osaka has already written a remarkable chapter in her comeback story.
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