Naomi Osaka Reaches First US Open Semifinal Since Motherhood

Naomi Osaka has reached the semifinals of the 2025 US Open, marking her first Grand Slam semifinal appearance since becoming a mother in 2023. She secured a straight-sets victory over Karolina Muchova, a two-time US Open semifinalist, improving her perfect Grand Slam quarterfinal record to 5-0. Osaka described her return as a personal renaissance, attributing it to hard work and her enduring love for tennis, likening challenges to a video game where persistence leads to eventual success. Despite initial struggles and doubts after motherhood, she expressed feeling a "weight lifted off her shoulders" with this achievement, inspired by fellow tennis mothers yet feeling pressure to keep pace. Osaka will face American Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals, a player who has previously defeated her twice in Grand Slam matches. This run follows strong performances earlier in 2025, including finals appearances at the ASB Classic and Canadian Open, signaling a significant comeback for the four-time major champion.