Osaka returns to Grand Slam spotlight as Anisimova shocks Swiatek at US Open.
Naomi Osaka produced her most assured performance in years on Wednesday, defeating Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-6(3) to book her place in the US Open semi-finals. The two-time champion at Flushing Meadows will be joined by Amanda Anisimova, who stunned world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Muchova, the 11th seed from the Czech Republic, was chasing a third straight semi-final in New York but ran into a composed Osaka. The Japanese star, seeded 23, was playing her first Grand Slam quarter-final since her 2021 Australian Open title. She arrived brimming with confidence after dismantling No. 3 seed Coco Gauff in the previous round.
The opening set was dominated by serves until Osaka pounced at 5-4. Denied twice by Muchova’s resilience, she finally forced an error to secure the lead. The Czech, already drained after more than 10 hours on court during the tournament, required a medical timeout to strap her left thigh early in the second set.
Even restricted in movement, Muchova threatened with sharp net play and broke Osaka for a 3-2 lead. But Osaka struck back instantly with a fearless forehand winner, restoring control. She dictated rallies with patient baseline play and timely aggression, steering the contest into a tie-break she dominated.
“It feels incredible to be back in the semi-finals here,” Osaka said. “I knew I had to stay composed because Karolina fights until the very end. I just focused on my serve and tried to take my chances.”
Anisimova’s redemption run
If Osaka’s victory was a statement of resurgence, Anisimova’s was one of redemption. The 23-year-old American outplayed Swiatek 6-4, 6-3, just two months after being humiliated by the Pole in a 57-minute Wimbledon final that ended 6-0, 6-0.
This time, Anisimova flipped the script with fearless hitting and unwavering belief. She converted four of nine break points, struck three aces, and won 71% of first-serve points. Swiatek, by contrast, faltered with three double faults and was broken four times.
“Playing here is so freaking special,” Anisimova said. “To come back from Wimbledon like that means everything. I worked so hard to turn things around, and today proved I can do it. I had not an ounce of fear.”
Swiatek, chasing a seventh major title and second US Open crown, admitted she was second best. “I couldn’t win today playing like that, serving like that, and with Amanda being so aggressive on the returns,” she said.
For Osaka, it’s a long-awaited return to the business end of a Slam. For Anisimova, it’s the breakthrough she’s been chasing — and one that has suddenly thrown the US Open wide open.
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