Japanese tennis star, Naomi Osaka, is back in the spotlight after reaching the US Open semi-finals for the first time since becoming a mother.
The two-time champion beat Czech 11th seed, Karolina Muchova, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night.
Osaka, 27, took a 14-month break from tennis after giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023. She said making it this far again feels like a dream.
“It’s my first semi-final since becoming a mother. I used to sit and hope I’d get another chance to play on this court. Now, it feels like my dream is coming true,” Osaka told the crowd.
Next, she will face American Amanda Anisimova, who upset world number one Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-3.
If Osaka beats Anisimova, she will be the first mother to reach a Grand Slam final since Victoria Azarenka in 2020. Winning the title would also make her the first woman since Kim Clijsters to win a major after giving birth.
Muchova, who picked up a leg injury during the match, still made it tough for Osaka. But Osaka held her nerve in the second set, forced a tie-break, and sealed the win with confidence.
“It was a very tough match,” Osaka said. “She’s one of the best players in the world.”
Osaka has been in good form since hiring coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, who previously guided Swiatek to multiple titles. She reached the final of the Montreal Open last month and is now enjoying another strong run in New York.
“I’m surprised I’m not crying,” she added with a smile. “There’s been a lot of hard work behind the scenes. I’m just thankful to my team and happy to be healthy.”
