Osaka will return to the semifinals for the first time since 2020, with Amanda Anisimova taking Wimbledon’s revenge against Iga Switek.
Released on September 4th, 2025
Naomi Osaka returned to the US Open semi-finals on Wednesday in a victory over Karolina Muchiba, 6-4, 7-6 (3).
Four years after winning the final of her four major titles, Japan’s 23rd seed, returning after a long maternity break last season, extended her unbeaten streak to 5-0 in the major quarter finals, booked a clash with Amanda Anishimova on Friday.
“That makes a lot of sense. I’m surprised I wasn’t crying,” Osaka said.
“My dreams are realising because I was sitting there watching and hoping to have the opportunity to play on this court again.
“I’m grateful for my team. Hopefully everyone will come and see my next round.”
Muchova, who had been in court for more than 10 hours with a drainage round of more than four hours, dropped a tight opening set and was treated in the locker room due to an apparent left leg problem, but broke at the next start and fired.
She struggled to move occasionally with the heavy straps on her thighs, but continued to irritate her opponents with her inventive tennis brand, in order for Osaka to regain the initiative and take a 5-4 lead just to pass after the tiebreak.
“It was a very difficult match,” Osaka added.
“She’s one of the best players in the world. Every time I play against her, it’s very difficult.
“Last year she beat me when I had one of my best outfits. I was really upset. I’m grateful to be here.”
Anishimoba revenges Wimbledon’s embarrassment
Anisimova tipped the script on Wednesday, ousting out the second seed Iga Swiatek 6-4 6-3, reaching her first US open semi-final and accurate revenge against one of the most brutal defeats in Grand Slam history.
Less than two months after suffering a catastrophic 6-0 6-0 loss in the Wimbledon Finals, the American eighth seed scored 67 of 121 points and completed a turnaround in 96 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“Playing here can be very weird,” Anishimova said in an on-court interview. “I’ve been running my life here… Today, everything has been proven to me. I can do that.”
The 24-year-old transition from tears in July to victory on Wednesday symbolizes tennis’s redemption ability.
After watching footage of painful Wimbledon on Tuesday night, Anishimoba admitted in the final that it was “hell-slow,” but approached the rematch with a new purpose.
“Today is definitely the most meaningful victory of my life,” she told reporters. “I really came out there, not an ounce of terror… I was always moving, trying to move myself.”
Swiatek admitted that his opponent’s aggressive return game proved decisive.
“We couldn’t win today’s match. Serving like that, Amanda is very aggressive with returns,” the six-time Grand Slam champion told reporters.
The Americans ruled on their return, converting four of their nine break opportunities, and Swiatek managed just two breaks from four chances, finishing bids for their seventh Grand Slam title and second US Open Crown.
America’s journey from the devastation of Wimbledon to our open breakthrough serves as a powerful reminder in tennis, where the biggest comebacks often follow the most crushed defeat.
