Osaka defeats Muchova to reach a U.S. Open semifinal after 5 years

Naomi Osaka returned to the U.S. Open semi-finals on Wednesday (September 3, 2025) with a 6-4 7-6(3) win over Karolina Muchova, because the four-times Grand Slam champion delivered a battling show to underline her resurgence on the game’s largest stage.

4 years after profitable the final of her 4 main titles, the Japanese twenty third seed, who returned final season after a prolonged maternity break, stretched her unbeaten run in main quarter-finals to 5-0 and booked a conflict with Amanda Anisimova.

“It means a lot. I am shocked I am not crying,” stated Osaka, who solely two years in the past was watching the semi-finals from the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“I used to be sitting up there watching and hoping I might have a chance to play on this courtroom once more, so my desires are coming true … There’s been a lot onerous work you guys have not seen.

“I am simply grateful to my crew. Hopefully you guys will come and watch my subsequent spherical.”

Muchova, who had been on courtroom for greater than 10 hours over 4 draining rounds, took therapy within the locker room for an obvious left leg challenge after she dropped a decent opening set, however got here out firing to interrupt initially of the subsequent.

She struggled to maneuver at instances with heavy strapping on her thigh however continued to frustrate her opponent along with her ingenious model of tennis to interrupt for a 5-4 lead, just for Osaka to wrest again the initiative and undergo after the tiebreak.

“It was an extremely tough match,” Osaka added.

“She is likely one of the greatest gamers on this planet. Each time I play in opposition to her it is so tough.

“Final yr she beat me once I had one in all my greatest outfits. I used to be actually upset. I am simply grateful to be right here.”