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The Digest:

Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka has made an impressive return to the Grand Slam stage, reaching the semi-finals in New York for the first time since becoming a mother. The Japanese star expressed her excitement, stating that it feels like "my dream is coming true."

Key Points:
  • Osaka defeated Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) in the quarter-finals.
  • This marks her first Grand Slam quarter-final since winning the 2021 Australian Open. She returned to professional tennis after a 14-month break following the birth of her daughter, Shai.
  • Osaka will face American Amanda Anisimova in the semi-finals, who recently defeated Iga Swiatek.
  • If Osaka reaches the final, she will be the first player to do so after becoming a mother since Victoria Azarenka in 2020. A tournament victory would make her the first since Kim Clijsters in 2009.
  • Since hiring coach Tomasz Wiktorowski in July, Osaka has shown a significant upturn in form, reaching the Montreal Open final and defeating three top-15 seeds at the US Open.
Naomi Osaka's deep run at the US Open is a testament to her resilience and renewed focus after returning to the sport as a mother. The victory over Muchova and her strong performance throughout the tournament signal a return to form for the former world number one. With a new coach and a clear mindset, she is poised to continue her impressive comeback story and compete for another major title.

Sources: BBC Sport

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