Naomi Osaka secured her semi-final spot at the U.S. Open on Thursday by a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6(3) victory over Karolina Muchova, confirming her revival at Grand Slam level.
The one-time world No. 1, who was back on tour in March after maternity leave, is seeded 23rd in New York but has been performing with the swagger of her best years. Her win not only takes her pristine record at major quarter-finals to 5-0 but also sets up a blockbuster semi-final encounter against American Amanda Anisimova. The win comes four years after Osaka's last major title win at Flushing Meadows.
"It means so much. I'm surprised I'm not crying," said Osaka.
"I was sitting up there watching and hoping I would have an opportunity to play on this court again, so my dreams are coming true... There's been so much hard work you guys haven't seen. I'm just grateful to my team. Hopefully you guys will come and watch my next round."
Muchova, who had already spent more than 10 hours on court in her first four rounds, battled physically after narrowly losing the opening set. She exited the court for a medical break and returned with thick strapping on her left thigh. In spite of the detour, she came out aggressively in the second set, breaking Osaka in the early going and subsequently taking a 5-4 advantage. But Osaka gritted it out, broke back, and edged out a nervy tiebreak to seal the win in straight sets.
"It was an incredibly difficult match. She is one of the best players in the world. Every time I play against her it's so difficult," Osaka said.
"Last year she beat me when I had one of my best outfits. I was really upset. I'm just grateful to be here."
With her latest win, Osaka once again reminded the tennis world of her champion's lineage, while heightening excitement for the a high-stakes encounter with Anisimova.
