Naomi Osaka Reaches US Open Semi-Finals in Emotional Comeback After Motherhood

Naomi Osaka reacts to defeating Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinal of the US Open

Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka says her “dream is coming true” after sealing a place in the semi-finals in New York with a straight-sets victory over Karolina Muchova.

Playing in her first Grand Slam quarter-final since winning the 2021 Australian Open, the 27-year-old Japanese star held her nerve to defeat the Czech 11th seed 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The milestone marks a remarkable comeback for Osaka, who returned to competitive tennis earlier this year after taking 14 months out around the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July 2023.

“It’s my first time in a semi now [since becoming a mother],” Osaka said. “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.”

Naomi Osaka has never failed to win a Grand Slam after reaching the quarter-finals

Osaka will now face Amanda Anisimova, who advanced with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Iga Swiatek. If Osaka triumphs, she will become the first mother to reach a Grand Slam final since Victoria Azarenka at the 2020 US Open, where Osaka lifted the trophy. Should she go on to win the title, she would join Kim Clijsters, who famously captured three Slams after giving birth.

Muchova, who began experiencing issues with her left leg during the first set and later returned with heavy strapping, fought bravely but could not close out the second set when serving at 5-4. Osaka broke back to love and dominated the tie-break, sealing the win with her trademark composure and a smile.

“It was an incredibly difficult match,” Osaka said. “She’s one of the best players in the world—every time I play her it’s so difficult. Last year she beat me here when I had one of my best outfits, so I was really upset.”

Osaka’s resurgence has coincided with her decision in July to part ways with coach Patrick Mouratoglou and join Polish coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, who guided Swiatek to four majors. Since then, she reached the Montreal Open final, losing to teenage sensation Victoria Mboko, and has beaten three seeded players en route to the US Open semi-finals.

“It means so much. I am so surprised I’m not crying,” Osaka said. “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.”