Naomi Osaka storms back into US Open semi-finals

Japanese tennis star, Naomi Osaka, has marked a stunning return to the Grand Slam stage, powering into the US Open semi-finals for the first time since becoming a mother.

The two-time US Open champion defeated Czech 11th seed, Karolina Muchova, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night.

The 27-year-old, who took a 14-month break from tennis after the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July 2023, described the achievement as nothing short of a dream.

“It’s my first time in a semi since becoming a mother. I was sitting up there watching and hoping I could have this chance again. This is like my dream coming true,” an emotional Osaka told the crowd.

Osaka will now face American Amanda Anisimova, who stunned world No.1 Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-3 to book her spot in the last four.

Victory over Anisimova would see Osaka become the first mother to reach a Grand Slam final since Victoria Azarenka at the 2020 US Open — a final Osaka herself won.

If she goes all the way, she would join Kim Clijsters as the only women in modern tennis to win a major after giving birth.

Muchova, who needed treatment for a left leg injury midway through the contest, pushed Osaka hard. But the Japanese star’s trademark composure returned at the crucial moment as she broke to force a tie-break, which she then dominated.

“It was an incredibly difficult match,” Osaka admitted. “She’s one of the best in the world and every time we play, it’s tough.”

The four-time Grand Slam winner has shown remarkable resurgence since parting ways with coach Patrick Mouratoglou in July and linking up with Tomasz Wiktorowski, the man behind Swiatek’s meteoric rise.

Her new form has already produced a Montreal Open final appearance, and now a deep run in New York.

“I’m surprised I’m not crying,” Osaka said with a smile. “There’s so much hard work you guys haven’t seen. I’m grateful to my team and just happy to be healthy.”