US Open: Naomi Osaka defeats Karolina Muchova, powers into grand slam semi-finals

US Open: Naomi Osaka defeats Karolina Muchova, powers into grand slam semi-finals

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ANI
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Naomi Osaka. (Photo- @wta X)

(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)

New York [US], September 4 (ANI): Naomi Osaka stormed into the semi-finals of the US Open, defeating Karolina Muchova on Wednesday, in straight sets 6-4, 7-6(3). Osaka victory sets up a semifinal match against Amanda Anisimova, who upset Iga Swiatek earlier in the day.

With a 6-4, 7-6(3) quarterfinal victory against Muchova, the Japanese star improved to 13-0 in the quarters and beyond at the majors.

The Japanese player, seeded 23, was competing in her first major quarter-final fixture since taking home the Australian Open title in 2021. The former World No.1 came into the match with a dominant win over third-seeded Coco Gauff.

It was an incredibly difficult match. She one of the best players in the world, and every time I play her, it so, so difficult. Last year she beat me here when I had one of my best outfits, so I was really upset, Osaka said as quoted from the US Open website.

Im just really grateful to be here. It my first time in a semi now [as a mom]. I was sitting up there watching and hoping that I could have the opportunity to play on the court again, so this is like my dream is coming true, she added.

The first set was dominated by serve; the 23rd seed capitalised on her first opening point on return. An aggressive return game made a 0-40 look, and she flashed her defence on her second set point.

Between sets, Muchova left the court for a medical timeout before coming back with tape on her upper left leg, which she had also received on Monday, during her three-set victory against Marta Kostyuk.

The 23rd seed fought off two break points in a 12-point game--the longest of the match--before Muchova sent it to a tiebreak. Osaka set the tone in the breaker with a big forehand that turned out to be her 31st and final winner of the match.

Before their quarter-final clash, Muchova and Osaka had a more recent history. In the US Open last year, Muchova defeated Osaka in straight sets on her way to the semifinals; in January earlier this year, Osaka levelled their head-to-head record at 2-2 with a three-set victory at the Australian Open. (ANI)

Disclaimer: This news article is a direct feed from ANI and has not been edited by the News Nation team. The news agency is solely responsible for its content.

us open amanda anisimova Naomi Osaka Tennis Karolina Muchova