Naomi Osaka takes huge step towards first US Open final since 2020 in pulsating win over Karolina Muchova

Whenever she reaches this stage of a Grand Slam history tells us that Naomi Osaka always goes on to win it. From the quarter final onwards she simply never looks back.

That impressive feat remains intact for now after the Japanese hero dispatched of a half-fit Karolina Muchova at the US Open on Wednesday night, with a 6-4, 7-6 straight sets victory sealing her place in the semifinals.

She has endured a rocky few years but Osaka finally appears to be hitting her stride again. This battle with Muchova, who has been struggling with a thigh problem of late, was as high-level as they come despite the Czech player’s injury, with the brilliance of both dazzling the Arthur Ashe crowd throughout.

From as early as 3-3 in the first set, it was clear we would likely be going to the wire here as the in-form pair barely put a foot wrong while each managing to hold their serve. They did so all the way until Osaka led 5-4. Then Muchova’s nerve slipped at the most unfortunate of times.

The No 11 seed had only committed two unforced errors over the previous nine games, yet in what proved the last one of the set she doubled that tally to gift Osaka both the first break and first set of the match.

A frustrated Muchova headed down the tunnel seemingly to treat her thigh and took her sweet time before making her way back out for the second set. She returned like a woman on a mission, instantly breaking Osaka for the first time after an incredible forehand winner right on the tramline had set up break point.

Yet the chance to gain some momentum and breathing space in the set quickly evaporated for her, with Naomi immediately firing back in devastating fashion. The four-time Grand Slam champion was in full flow once more, ripping lethal winners on forehand and backhand, as she swiftly cancelled out the early break.

The outstanding technical quality at both ends of the court was clear for all to see. At 2-2 in the second set, Osaka unleashed a crisp backhand that left her opponent with no chance, before Muchova answered with an explosive forearm straight after.

Then, having both continued to hold serve up until 4-4, an inch-perfect Muchova backhand right in the corner left Osaka rooted to the spot. The latter hit back with yet another lightning-bolt groundstroke, though it was followed by the narrowest of wide shots and a gut-wrenching break to leave Muchova serving for the set.

The response from Naomi? An immediate break back without even dropping a point.

The writing seemed to be on the wall from this moment onwards, despite Muchova forcing a tiebreak in the second and final set of the match. Osaka quickly took control of it and got over the line, ensuring she will meet American star Amanda Anisimova in Thursday’s semifinals.