Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka made an emotional return to the semi-finals of the US Open 2025, defeating the Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) in a thrilling quarter-final clash. This victory marked Osaka’s first Grand Slam semi-final appearance since winning the 2021 Australian Open and came after a 14-month hiatus following the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July 2023.
“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,” said Osaka, visibly moved by her achievement. The 27-year-old also noted, “It’s my first time in a semi now [since becoming a mother].”
Osaka will now face American Amanda Anisimova, who avenged her heavy defeat in the Wimbledon final by Iga Swiatek earlier this year with a solid 6-4, 6-3 win in her own quarter-final. If Osaka wins the upcoming semi-final, she will become the first player since Victoria Azarenka (2020 US Open) to reach a Grand Slam final after having a child. If she claims the title in New York, Osaka would be the first player since Kim Clijsters (2009-2011) to win a Grand Slam after giving birth.
A Challenging Match
The match against Muchova was no easy feat. Despite struggling early on to break Muchova’s serve in the first set, Osaka took advantage of a crucial moment at 5-4, going 0-40 up and closing out the set at the second attempt.
Muchova, who had an issue with her left leg, received medical attention and returned with her thigh heavily strapped. She broke Osaka early in the second set, but Osaka responded immediately, leveling the set before an uncharacteristic series of errors allowed Muchova to serve for a deciding set. However, Osaka regained her focus and broke Muchova to force the tie-break, where she dominated, winning 7-3 to seal the victory.
“It was an incredibly difficult match. She’s one of the best players in the world – every time I play her it’s so difficult,” Osaka said after the win. She jokingly added, “Last year she beat me here when I had one of my best outfits, so I was really upset.”
Return to Form
Since parting ways with coach Patrick Mouratoglou in July and hiring Tomasz Wiktorowski, Osaka has enjoyed a resurgence in form. Under Wiktorowski, the coach who helped guide Swiatek to four major titles, Osaka reached the final of the Montreal Open last month and now finds herself in the US Open semi-finals after a series of impressive wins.
Osaka, who has already defeated three top-15 seeds in this tournament, was overwhelmed with emotion as she reflected on her journey back to the top. “It means so much. I am so surprised I’m not crying. 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,” she said.
Osaka’s comeback story continues to inspire fans around the world as she aims to reclaim her place among tennis’ elite at the US Open.
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