‘My dream is coming true’ – Osaka returns to US Open semis

Naomi Osaka, the two-time US Open champion, defeated Karolina Muchova to make her comeback in New York.

Japan’s Osaka made it 6-4 7-6 (7-3) to defeat the Czech 11th seed in her first Grand Slam quarter-final since winning the 2021 Australian Open.

Osaka, who didn’t play for 14 months until the birth of her daughter Shai in July 2023, is celebrating another impressive milestone by returning to the top four of the major.

Osaka stated, “This is my first semi-final experience since becoming a mother.”

“I was hoping that I would be able to play on this court once more as I watched.” My dream is coming true, in other words.

In the event that Osaka defeats Anisimova, she will become the first woman to make the 2020 US Open showpiece since Victoria Azarenka did so in the event that she triumphs.

And if the four-time major champion travels all the way to New York, she will become the first player to do so since Kim Clijsters (in 2009, 2010 and 2011) to capture a Slam after giving birth.

Osaka pounced decisively at 5-4 after struggling to put a dent in Muchova’s serve earlier in the first set, going 0-40 up and closing out the game at 0-40.

Muchova called the trainer and received medical attention off-court after beginning to grimac on her left leg during the sixth game.

She returned with a heavy thigh strap, but the early break that set up the second set didn’t seem to interfere with her tennis.

However, Osaka immediately responded and the pair didn’t really get along until a frustrated Osaka conceded serve at 4-4 with a string of unforced errors.

However, as Muchova rose up to force a decisive set, Osaka regained her composure and attacked intently, breaking love to level the match.

In the tie-break, she took control and gave up a 4-1 lead, which she then celebrated with a beaming smile.

In her on-court interview, Osaka continued, “It was a very challenging match.” Every time I play her, it’s very challenging because she’s one of the best players in the world.

Since resigning from its position with coach Patrick Mouratoglou in July, Osaka has enjoyed a new since then-coach Patrick Mouratoglou left in July.

Osaka appears to have rediscovered something close to her best form since hiring Polish coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, who is best known for leading Swiatek to four majors in three years.

She made it to the final of the Montreal Open last month, losing to teenager Victoria Mboko, and has since made a strong run to the final four at Flushing Meadows, defeating the third, eleventh, and fifteenth-seeded players.

It means a lot, really. I’m so surprised I’m not crying, Osaka said.