In an exhilarating display at the US Open, former world number one Naomi Osaka defeated Karolina Muchova in the final quarter-final match, securing her spot in the semi-finals. On a thrilling evening at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Osaka overcame Muchova with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-6(3) and will now face Amanda Anisimova for a chance to compete in the final this Saturday.
Reflecting on her victory, Osaka expressed her mixed emotions: “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’s one of the toughest players that I’m able to play and I’ve played her so many times.”
The match highlighted Osaka’s remarkable form as she reached this stage of the tournament, which marks her third career semi-final at the US Open and fifth overall at a Grand Slam. Since making her return to competitive tennis after taking time off for motherhood, this semi-final appearance is particularly significant for Osaka.
Osaka’s journey back to the court has not been without its challenges. After being granted wild-card entries into tournaments and facing difficult draws as an unseeded player, she demonstrated resilience by reaching the final in Montreal last month, which resulted in her first seeding in a major since her return. Throughout the tournament, the 27-year-old dropped only a single set leading up to her encounter with Muchova.
Osaka’s performance against Muchova showcased her powerful groundstrokes and tactical acumen, particularly in the first set which was characterized by service dominance. Despite Muchova’s injury concerns, she remained a formidable opponent, deftly deploying an array of shots to challenge Osaka. However, the turning point came when Osaka executed a crucial break in the final game of the opening set, capitalizing on three uncharacteristic errors from Muchova.
After a medical timeout for Muchova at the start of the second set, the Czech player attempted to rally, breaking Osaka early and briefly taking control of the match. Yet, Osaka’s experience shone through as she responded swiftly, breaking back and demonstrating her championship pedigree. The second set unfolded with heightened intensity, culminating in a tiebreak where Osaka’s power proved decisive.
“I’m definitely a lot more focused and aware of point structure,” Osaka noted post-match, crediting a newfound approach to her game since returning from maternity leave. Her transformation reflects a greater appreciation for the sport, with Osaka stating, “I learned I love tennis way more than I thought I did, and I learned that, you know, I actually really love challenges.”
Osaka’s win against Muchova not only reaffirms her credentials as a four-time Grand Slam champion but also adds to her legacy, making her the third woman in the Open era to win all of her first five Grand Slam quarter-finals. Looking ahead, she acknowledges the challenge posed by Anisimova, whom she is yet to defeat in two prior encounters.
As for Muchova, her run has been impressive, yet she will aim to regroup for future tournaments as she continues her quest for a maiden Grand Slam title. The stage is now set for an electrifying semi-final showdown, with Osaka seeking to reclaim her place among the sport’s elite while Anisimova looks to carve her own legacy.
