If there was any doubt about Naomi Osaka’s return to form, her determined play at the US Open on Wednesday should have silenced those skeptics.
Especially those who were uncertain.
Osaka, the former world No. 1, triumphed over 2023 Open Champion Coco Gauff, winning in straight sets during the 16th round. This victory marked Osaka’s first trip to the Grand Slam semi-finals since she resumed play after maternity leave, finishing with scores of 6-4 and 7-6 (3) against Karolina Muchova, who was seeded 11th.
This win set up a semi-final match against eighth-seeded American Amanda Anisimova.
At 27, Osaka has only lost one set in this tournament, that being to Daria Kasatkina in the third round.
In her return to the Grand Slam quarter-finals, her serve has been impressive—averaging 65% on first serves, including five aces.
Osaka expressed her gratitude in an on-court interview, stating, “It was a very difficult game… I’m really grateful to be here. It’s my first time back in the semi-finals. I saw the opportunity to play again on this court.”
The two-time US Open champion and four-time major titleholder had been ranked at the top of the world until she took a break in 2023 to address mental health issues and then gave birth to her daughter, Shy, in 2021.
Despite previous struggles—where she faced early exits in several tournaments—Osaka’s confidence seems to be on the rise following her performance at the Canadian Open in Montreal last month. Now ranked 23rd, she has a new coach, Thomas Wicktrowski, guiding her.
Muchova had qualified as a wildcard last year and faced Osaka in the second round.
In this match, Muchova started strongly, but Osaka held her serve through the first nine games. After gaining a 5-4 lead, Osaka capitalized on forced errors from the Czech player, clinching the first set.
After a brief medical timeout taken by Muchova, Osaka lost her first service game in the second set. However, she quickly bounced back with consecutive breaks, showcasing her firm backhand.
Although Osaka seemed to be gaining momentum, she lost it momentarily, and both players struggled to maintain their advantages. But Osaka rallied to regain control at critical points.
When the match reached the tiebreaker, Osaka’s baseline game proved too solid for Muchova, and the crowd rallied behind her as she took the match.
