"I love tennis way more than I thought": Naomi Osaka shares redemption story after securing US Open semifinal spot

Japan’s Naomi Osaka has shared what the recent triumph has meant for her at the US Open. The 27-year-old cemented her spot in the semifinal of the fourth and the final Grand Slam of the year after beating the Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 7-6.

It will be the first time in more than four years that Osaka will be competing in the semifinal of a Grand Slam. Her last appearance in the last-four of a Grand Slam came in 2021 at the Australian Open, where she ended up lifting the title after beating Jennifer Brady of America in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-3. Interestingly, Osaka has never suffered a defeat once she played in the quarterfinal of a major event.

The recent is a fabulous turnaround for Osaka, as not long ago, she openly admitted that she would consider early retirement if she did not manage to return to her very best, sooner rather than later. Talking about the importance of going deep in a Grand Slam, Osaka stated that she has learnt a lot about herself in the journey. Osaka admitted that she finally realised that her love for tennis is way more than what she thought it was. Osaka also stated that she has realised that she loves facing challenges and coming out on top.

“Yeah, I mean, I learned I love tennis way more than I thought I did. And I learned that I actually really love challenges. It's like a video game. You pick it up. And even if you lose a level, you kind of just restart and keep going until you eventually win. And I think it's a little tough at some times. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. I mean, definitely. I think for me, I appreciate the journey a lot more now. I think when I was younger, I kind of just kept thinking of the next one, the next one, the next one. And obviously, I would love to appreciate everything right now. But I have a match to play tomorrow. Yeah, so they put the mom on last. That's crazy. So yeah, I'll probably tell you how much I appreciate it at the end of the tournament, which is hopefully on Saturday for me. But regardless, I'm just really grateful to be playing well in this city.”

Talking about her performance in the match, Osaka stated that it was a tough fixture and that her focus was to hang in there. Osaka also stated that she had no idea whether Muchova was struggling with fitness concerns, even though she decided to take a medical break during the match. Osaka was of the opinion that she did not want to pay too much attention to such details and was more focused on doing her job.

“Yeah, I mean, definitely. It was a really tough match, I think, for me. Honestly, I was just trying to hang in there and see if I got an opportunity,” said Osaka. “I didn't know she was struggling physically. I just saw she took a medical. But everyone kind of gets their hamstring tape. So I was like, oh, like, you know. But I figure towards the end of the tournament, some people are a little bit more tired than others. But I try not to think about it too much because I don't want to change my game plan.”

Osaka had a tough time on the court in the early phase of the season. When discussing the point at which everything began to change, Osaka shared an interesting story. Osaka highlighted that losing in the second round at the DC Open made her believe that she is good enough to compete against the best players in the world. “Yeah, actually, it was obviously after Wimbledon. But specifically after DC, after I played Raducanu, I called a roundtable of my team,” said Osaka. “And I was just very confused how confident I was in myself. Because even though I lost, I just remember telling them, I think I can beat anyone from the baseline still, even though I lost. And we just have to figure out if I have to change my game plan or if I just have to do something new and different. And then obviously, Thomas came in the picture. And we've kind of been on a roll since then.”

Osaka’s next round opponent will be America's Amanda Anisimova. The 24-year-old cemented her spot in the last four after beating the six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinal in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-3. Talking about her, Osaka called Anisimova as one of ‘most talented players on the tour’ and admitted that she is expecting a tough match tomorrow.

“I mean, definitely for me, she's [Anisimova] always been one of the most talented players on tour,” said Osaka. “I think no one wants to see her name next to theirs, especially with what she would potentially do. I think she's one of the players where you don't know where she's going to hit the ball kind of thing. And I honestly didn't watch the Wimbledon final. Obviously, I saw the scoreline. And I saw how devastated she must be. But I think to play Iga here now and to win it on home soil is something that is a really big achievement and credit to her. And yeah, I think the match is going to be really tough tomorrow.”