Naomi Osaka Compares Tennis to Video Game After Reaching 1st Major Semifinal Since Becoming Mom at US Open

Naomi Osaka will play Aryna Sabalenka or Jessica Pegula if she progresses to the US Open final.

Naomi Osaka Compares Tennis to Video Game After Reaching 1st Major Semifinal Since Becoming Mom at US Open

Naomi Osaka (Image via X/TNT Sports)

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Naomi Osaka is into the semifinals of the US Open for the first time since lifting her second title here back in 2020. She reached the last four after a straight-set win over 2023 French Open finalist Karolina Muchova.

Osaka took a 3-2 head-to-head lead over Muchova, who reached a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the first time this year. Since returning to tennis after becoming a mother for the first time, the Japanese ace struggled to produce consistent results and even broke down in tears after Grand Slam upsets.

But during those tough times, she never thought of hanging up her racket. Her love for tennis kept her moving, and finally, she is enjoying the results.

I’ve discovered that I love tennis much more than I thought, and I love challenges. It’s like a video game. You start it, and even if you lose a level, you just restart and keep going until you finally win. Sometimes it’s a bit tough, but I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.

Osaka will be playing back-to-back semifinals. Before entering Flushing Meadows, the two-time champion reached the final of the Canadian Open but failed to end the tournament in her favor, losing in three sets to home favorite Victoria Mboko.

Now, I appreciate the journey much more. When I was younger, I just thought about what’s next. Obviously, I’d love to appreciate everything right now, but tomorrow I have a match. They scheduled the mother for the last session. How crazy!

Naomi Osaka added

Osaka also reached her first Grand Slam semifinal since her successful campaign at the 2021 Australian Open. This year, she reached two finals. Apart from the Canadian Open, Osaka also played in the championship match of the ASB Classic, where she was forced to give a walkover to Clara Tauson because of an injury.

Naomi Osaka is expecting a tough challenge from Amanda Anisimova

After her double-bagel Wimbledon final disappointment, Amanda Anisimova exacted revenge by knocking out Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals of the US Open, tying the head-to-head record to 1-1. But to reach her first final in her home Grand Slam tournament, Anisimova has to go past Naomi Osaka.

Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova (via X/The Tennis Letter)
Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova (via X/The Tennis Letter)

She has always been one of the most talented players on the tour. No one wants to see their name next to hers, especially considering what she could do. She’s one of those players who you don’t know where the ball is going to land.

Naomi Osaka Saif during her press conference

Osaka has met Anisimova twice, both in Grand Slam events, with the results ending in the latter’s favor. Anisimova has played three finals this year, winning only the Qatar Open by defeating Jelena Ostapenko. As she secured the semifinal berth, the former World No.1 climbed to No.14 on the live rankings table. If she ends the tournament in her favor, she will occupy the 11th spot.

Anisimova is No.5 on the live rankings. If she wins, she will reach a career-high No.4 ranking. But no player can remove Aryna Sabalenka from the top at present. The defending champion, who has so far played seven finals and clinched three titles this season, has 10005 points on the live rankings, and if she clinches her fourth Major singles title, she will have 11225 points.

World No.2 Swiatek had the chance to inch closer to reclaiming her spot from the Belarusian. The winner of the Anisimova versus Osaka showdown will lock horns with Sabalenka or Jessica Pegula, both of whom will be meeting in the semifinals in what will also be a rematch of last year’s US Open final.

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