Naomi Osaka’s scorching return to Grand Slam best continued as she came through a gritty quarter-final victory over Karolina Muchova at the US Open.
The four-time major winner dispatched the 11th seed 6-4, 7-6(3) in a night match at Flushing Meadows that will see her face American Amanda Anisimova in the semi-finals.
It’s the sort of comeback that commands respect, and Osaka’s not here to just make up the numbers. She’s here to win.
“Last year, she beat me when I had one of my best outfits. I’m just really grateful to be here. My dream is coming true,” Osaka said, flashing a smile that masked the intensity of her performance.
Familiar Faces, Different Outcome
This wasn’t just any quarter-final. It was a rematch charged with history. Muchova had defeated Osaka at the same stage last year before reaching a second straight semi-final.
But this time, Osaka was the one with the answers and the revenge. She had also got the better of Muchova earlier this year at the Australian Open, slowly flipping the script in their head-to-head rivalry.
Interestingly, the pair practised together before the tournament began. Osaka had quipped that one perk of being seeded again was “not having to face her in the early rounds.” That familiarity showed.
What ensued was a struggle of brawn and brain, Osaka’s explosive power contrasting Muchova’s clever shot-making.
Key Moments Define the Match
- The first set remained on serve until the 10th game, when Osaka broke Muchova to win it 6-4.
- Muchova, whose career has been consistently interrupted by injuries, took a medical timeout before the second set. She returned with thick strapping wrapped around her left thigh.
- Despite evident discomfort, Muchova twice pulled ahead during the second set—but Osaka fought her back both times.
- Serving to even up the match, Muchova stumbled, and Osaka sped through the tie-break, winning the match on her second match point.
Osaka’s purple gem-studded dress sparkled under New York light, but her icy concentration in the face of adversity really stunned.
Osaka’s Winning Streak in Slam Quarter-Finals Lives On
With this victory, Osaka continues to be undefeated in Grand Slam quarter-finals, an impressive statistic which reflects well on her mental toughness at the high level.
Her newfound confidence has been noticeable throughout the tournament. She clinically dismantled Coco Gauff in the last round and is now two victories away from claiming her fifth major title.
There’s still a wildfire in her tennis once more. And the tennis world is paying attention.
Amanda Anisimova, another emerging American star, is between Osaka and yet another Grand Slam final. It will be a battle of sheer force and aggressive hitting.
Osaka, who is 26 now, isn’t the wide-eyed wunderkind anymore. She has fought burnout, mental illness, and spells away from the sport. But this new incarnation of hers is different, balanced, razor-sharp, and extremely driven.
If she keeps this going, not many will bet against her making a complete run.
