Naomi Osaka Nears First US Open Final Since 2020 After Thrilling Victory Over Muchova

Naomi Osaka Edges Past Injured Karolina Muchova to Reach US Open Semifinals
By Oliver Salt | September 4, 2025

FLUSHING MEADOWS, NEW YORK — Naomi Osaka remains unstoppable in Grand Slam quarterfinals. The four-time major champion battled past an ailing Karolina Muchova in a thrilling 6-4, 7-6(3) clash at the US Open on Wednesday, keeping her perfect record intact: Whenever she reaches the final eight of a Slam, she wins the title.

[Image: Naomi Osaka hitting a forehand during the match; caption: Osaka showcased her trademark power to secure a semifinal berth.]

Osaka, now 8-0 in Slam quarterfinals, faced a stern test from the 11th-seeded Muchova, who fought valiantly despite a lingering thigh injury. The tightly contested match saw both players trade jaw-dropping winners, but Osaka’s composure in crucial moments proved decisive.

First Set: Nerves Decide the Opener
The opening set was a masterclass in serving precision. Neither player blinked until 5-4, when Muchova’s flawless game unraveled. After committing just two unforced errors through nine games, she doubled that tally in the 10th, gifting Osaka the break and the set. The Czech star immediately left the court for a medical timeout, sparking concerns about her fitness.

[Image: Karolina Muchova stretching her leg during a changeover; caption: Muchova struggled with a thigh injury but pushed Osaka to the limit.]

Second Set: Rollercoaster Resurgence
Muchova returned reinvigorated, breaking Osaka with a blistering down-the-line forehand to open the second set. But Osaka responded ruthlessly, leveling the score at 1-1 with a barrage of winners. The relentless exchange continued, with both players showcasing their athleticism and shotmaking—Osaka’s crosscourt backhands clashing with Muchova’s deft drop shots.

At 4-4, Muchova capitalized on Osaka’s rare misfire to break again, only to falter while serving for the set. Osaka pounced, breaking back at love to force a tiebreak. There, the former world No. 1 unleashed her signature aggression, racing to a 5-1 lead before sealing victory on her third match point.

Road to Redemption
This run marks Osaka’s deepest Slam advance since her 2021 Australian Open triumph. After taking a mental health hiatus in 2021 and becoming a mother in 2023, her resurgence has electrified New York. “She’s playing with freedom again,” said ESPN analyst Pam Shriver. “Her belief in the big moments is unmatched.”

[Image: Osaka celebrating match point; caption: Osaka’s victory sets up a semifinal clash with Amanda Anisimova.]

Up Next: Anisimova Awaits
Osaka will face American Amanda Anisimova in Thursday’s semifinals. Anisimova, who stunned top seed Aryna Sabalenka earlier, is seeking her maiden Slam final. Osaka leads their head-to-head 2-1, but the 23-year-old’s fearless baseline game poses a threat.

As the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd roared, Osaka reflected: “These are the matches I’ve worked for. No matter the challenges, I’m just grateful to compete at this level again.”

With history on her side and her power game peaking, Osaka is now two wins away from a fifth Slam crown—and a triumphant return to the pinnacle of tennis.

Word count: 642