Naomi Osaka storms into the US Open semifinal after defeating Karolína Muchová. She will now face Amanda Anisimova in a thrilling all-hard-court showdown. Full match recap, stats, and analysis.
Naomi Osaka’s US Open Semifinal: A Stunning Comeback to the Final Four
The Naomi Osaka US Open semifinal run is officially back on track. On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Osaka delivered a composed and powerful performance to defeat Karolína Muchová 6-4, 7-6(3) in the quarterfinals at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This win marks her first major semifinal appearance since the 2021 Australian Open, further cementing her reputation as one of the greatest hard-court players in tennis history.
Naomi Osaka’s Path to the US Open Semifinal
Naomi Osaka US Open semifinal seeded No. 23, entered the 2025 US Open with questions surrounding her form and fitness. After taking a year off in 2023 to give birth to her daughter, her road back to elite competition was far from easy. But match by match, she reminded the tennis world why she is a four-time Grand Slam champion.
| Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Round | Qualifier | Win in straight sets |
| 2nd Round | No. 17 Seed | Hard-fought 3-set victory |
| 3rd Round | Coco Gauff (No. 3) | Stunning upset in straight sets |
| 4th Round | Top 16 seed | Confident win |
| Quarterfinal | Karolína Muchová (No. 11) | 6-4, 7-6(3) |
The Naomi Osaka US Open semifinal berth showcases her resilience and ability to rise under pressure.
Match Recap: Naomi Osaka vs Karolína Muchová
Muchová, the No. 11 seed, was chasing her third straight semifinal appearance in New York. Despite battling fatigue and a quad injury, she put up a strong fight.
- First Set: Osaka capitalized on her opponent’s errors late in the set, breaking serve at 5-4 to close it out.
- Second Set: Muchová rallied, breaking Osaka’s serve twice, but Osaka broke back immediately each time.
- Tiebreak: Osaka dominated 7-3, sealing victory with aggressive groundstrokes.
Stat Comparison:
| Stat | Osaka | Muchová |
|---|---|---|
| Aces | 6 | 3 |
| First Serve % | 60% | 83% |
| Winners | 34 | 27 |
| Break Points Converted | 3/6 | 2/7 |
The Naomi Osaka US Open semifinal run was earned with consistency, shot placement, and mental toughness.
Osaka’s Hard-Court Dominance
All four of Osaka’s major titles have come on hard courts—two at the Australian Open and two at the US Open. She has never lost a Grand Slam tournament after reaching the quarterfinal stage.
This remarkable statistic continues after her victory over Muchová, making the Naomi Osaka US Open semifinal a continuation of her unmatched record.
Naomi Osaka vs Amanda Anisimova: A Semifinal Showdown
Osaka’s semifinal opponent is Amanda Anisimova, the No. 8 seed from the United States. Anisimova stunned Iga Świątek, the world No. 2, with a 6-4, 6-3 victory in her own quarterfinal.
Head-to-Head Preview
| Player | Grand Slam Titles | US Open Best Result | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naomi Osaka | 4 | Champion (2018, 2020) | Powerful baseline play, mental strength |
| Amanda Anisimova | 0 | Semifinal (2025) | Aggressive returns, backhand precision |
The Naomi Osaka US Open semifinal against Anisimova promises to be a clash of power and strategy.
The Significance of Osaka’s Comeback
Osaka’s journey back to the spotlight resonates beyond tennis. After stepping away in 2023 for motherhood, many questioned her ability to regain top form.
- Emotional Resilience: Her return proves that athletes can balance parenthood and elite sport.
- Representation: As a Japanese-Haitian star, Osaka continues to inspire diversity in global tennis.
- Legacy: Each match she plays strengthens her position as one of the defining athletes of her generation.
Her presence in the Naomi Osaka US Open semifinal is not only about chasing titles—it’s about rewriting her story.
International Reactions
- Fans worldwide flooded social media with congratulations, praising Osaka’s determination.
- Tennis legends commended her performance under pressure.
- Japanese media celebrated her return, noting how she continues to inspire the next generation.
The Naomi Osaka US Open semifinal has become one of the most anticipated matches of the 2025 tournament.
Implications for the US Open 2025
With Osaka and Anisimova set to meet, alongside Jessica Pegula vs Aryna Sabalenka in the other semifinal, the women’s draw is a showcase of power tennis and tactical brilliance.
For Osaka, winning the semifinal would put her in position to claim her third US Open title and fifth Grand Slam overall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who did Naomi Osaka defeat to reach the US Open semifinal?
She defeated Karolína Muchová in the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 7-6(3) victory.
2. How many times has Naomi Osaka reached the US Open semifinal?
This is her third US Open semifinal, following her championship runs in 2018 and 2020.
3. Who will Naomi Osaka face in the US Open semifinal?
She will face Amanda Anisimova, who upset Iga Świątek in the quarterfinals.
4. How many Grand Slam titles does Naomi Osaka have?
She has four Grand Slam titles, all on hard courts.
5. What makes Naomi Osaka strong on hard courts?
Her powerful serve, aggressive baseline play, and mental toughness make her a dominant hard-court player.
Conclusion
The Naomi Osaka US Open semifinal story is one of resilience, determination, and brilliance. From defeating Coco Gauff to outlasting Karolína Muchová, Osaka has reclaimed her place at the top of tennis. Now, as she prepares to face Amanda Anisimova, fans await a semifinal that could define the 2025 US Open.
If Osaka continues her unbeaten streak in Grand Slams once she reaches the quarterfinals, she may soon lift her third US Open trophy and fifth major title overall.