After a few challenging years, Naomi Osaka is finally showing the form that made her a tennis superstar.
On Wednesday night at the US Open, the Japanese star reminded everyone why she’s considered one of the sport’s elite, navigating past a half-fit Karolina Muchova to secure her spot in the semifinals.
A Classic Osaka Grand Slam Pattern
History has a funny way of repeating itself with Osaka: once she reaches the later stages of a Grand Slam, she rarely looks back.
That trend held true again in New York.
Facing the 29-year-old Czech player, who has been battling a thigh injury, Osaka won in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6(7-3), showcasing the skill and poise that has become her trademark.
First Set Drama and Nerve-Tingling Moments
From as early as 3-3 in the first set, it was clear this match would be tight.
Both players were firing on all cylinders, holding serve with precision. But at 5-4, Muchova’s nerves got the better of her.
After committing just a handful of unforced errors earlier, she added one more at the crucial moment, gifting Osaka her first break and the opening set.
Muchova Fights Back but Osaka Responds
After a brief break to manage her thigh, Muchova returned with renewed energy, immediately breaking Osaka’s serve with a stunning forehand winner.
Yet Osaka, never one to let momentum slip, struck back instantly.
Wearing a striking violet dress, the four-time Grand Slam champion unleashed a flurry of forehand and backhand winners, erasing Muchova’s break and asserting her dominance once again.
A Second Set of High-Octane Tennis
The second set was a showcase of incredible skill from both sides.
From lightning-fast backhands to explosive forearms, the rallies kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
By 4-4, it looked like Muchova might steal the set, but Osaka responded immediately, breaking back without dropping a single point and sending a clear message that the match was hers to take.
Closing the Match in Style
Muchova managed to force a tiebreak, but Osaka quickly seized control, winning it 7-3 to book her place in the semifinals.
She will now face American rising star Amanda Anisimova on Thursday, promising another thrilling encounter.
A Return to Form
This US Open run marks Osaka’s best Grand Slam performance since lifting the Australian Open trophy in 2021.
After taking the entire 2023 season off following the birth of her first child, the two-time US Open champion is rediscovering her rhythm, confidence, and trademark brilliance on the court.