September 4, 2025

NEW YORK: Wow! Naomi Osaka is back with a bang at the US Open 2024. It was once tough for Osaka to even reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam, but now she is there, full of fire. On Monday, she smashed No. 3 seed Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 in just over an hour to secure her place in the quarterfinals. This is the first time since the Australian Open 2021 that Osaka has made it so far. That event was also the last time she took home a Grand Slam trophy. Osaka, 27, has an incredible record: every time she passes the fourth round at a major, she wins the whole tournament! She has done this 12 times at the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals combined, always on hard courts. She has won four Grand Slams — two in New York (2018, 2020) and two in Melbourne. "She seems relaxed out there. ... She forced me to play how I did today," said Gauff after the match. "Regardless (of) whatever form she's in, she's always a tough player, and I don't think anyone takes her for granted, regardless of where her 'form' is, especially on hard courts." Osaka is happy just to be back competing with the best. "I wouldn't say it gives me pressure or confidence. I think for me, you know, this is kind of unchartered territory at this point of my career," she said. "I'm just enjoying it. I'm having fun. I'm being able to play against the best players in the world." Osaka’s break came after she spoke openly about battling anxiety and depression in 2021. She then took many months off for mental health and maternity leave, welcoming her daughter Shai in July 2023. Just a couple of months later, she watched from the stands as Gauff, who just lost to her, won the US Open. Now, Osaka gears up to face Karolina Muchova, seeded 11th, in the quarterfinals. The 29-year-old Czech star is an all-court genius, known for her creative shots. Muchova was runner-up at the 2023 French Open and has made the US Open semifinals twice before, including beating Osaka in 2024's second round. "She's a great player. I think she picked up her form again and she's getting better and better. We can see (from) her results," said Muchova. "We practiced here, actually. So I expect a really tough battle. It's going to be a challenge, for sure." Muchova believes Osaka’s spark is back because of more matches and trust in her skills. "The difference, I think, is she just now (has) more matches under her belt, (and is) winning matches, and I'd say ... she (has) that belief again that she can be the best, and trust her strokes more," Muchova shared. "Playing really fast, really good." The big serve and forehand of Osaka are flashing again. Tennis fans, get ready for a thrilling showdown as Osaka chases yet another Grand Slam glory!

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Tags: Naomi osaka, Us open 2024, Karolina muchova, Grand slam, Tennis comeback, Coco gauff,