US Open: Comeback queen, Osaka secures semi-final spot in New York

Naomi Osaka is back in the US Open semi-finals after defeating Czech player Karolina Muchova in straight sets on Wednesday.

The Japanese star, seeded 23rd, beat the 11th seed Muchova 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) in a match that lasted just under two hours. This is Osaka’s best run at a Grand Slam since she won the Australian Open in 2021.

Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, will face eighth seed Amanda Anisimova in Thursday’s semi-final. She goes into the match full of confidence after knocking out several higher-ranked players, including third seed Coco Gauff in the round of 16.

The 27-year-old, who took a break from tennis in 2023 after giving birth to her daughter, said playing again at the top level feels like a dream come true.

“It was an incredibly difficult match. She’s one of the best players in the world,” Osaka said about Muchova after her victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium. “Honestly, I used to sit and watch, hoping I’d get the chance to play here again. My dream is coming true.”

The first set was tight, with both players serving well. Muchova had one chance to break in the opening game, but Osaka held firm. Osaka finally broke Muchova’s serve in the 10th game and went on to win the set.

In the second set, Muchova needed a medical timeout and returned with her left thigh strapped. She managed to break Osaka early and led 1-0, but Osaka immediately broke back.

Muchova later broke again to lead 5-4, giving her a chance to serve for the set. But Osaka responded strongly, breaking her to love. The set went to a tie-break, where Osaka dominated to seal the win