In a moment that captured hearts at the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal, Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, turned a post-match celebration into a viral sensation by leading the crowd in a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday” for her best friend, Alex Boston. The joyful scene unfolded after Osaka’s commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over No. 10 seed Elina Svitolina on August 5, 2025, securing her first WTA 1000 semifinal since the 2022 Miami Open. The Japanese star’s playful antics, coupled with her dominant performance on the court, underscored her resurgence and infectious charisma, making the night a memorable blend of athletic prowess and personal warmth.
Osaka’s journey to the Canadian Open semifinals has been a testament to her rediscovered form. After a 15-month hiatus following the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July 2023, the former world No. 1 has battled injuries and tight matches, including a heartbreaking loss to Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros 2025, where she held a match point. In Montreal, however, Osaka has been unstoppable, dropping just one set en route to the semifinals. Her quarterfinal clash against Svitolina, a fellow mother and former world No. 3, was a masterclass in controlled aggression, lasting just 68 minutes. Osaka capitalized on Svitolina’s unforced errors, breaking her serve four times to seal the win. “I’m just having a lot of fun playing, and I’m really glad to be here,” Osaka told the Montreal crowd, her smile reflecting a newfound joy in competition. Her performance has propelled her to No. 34 in the live WTA rankings, ensuring a seeded spot at the upcoming US Open, a tournament she won in 2018 and 2020. “I think I am going to be seeded at the US Open now because I won my match. That was a really big goal for me, and I am just really excited,” she added, her excitement palpable as she anticipates returning to Flushing Meadows in style.
The post-match celebration, however, stole the spotlight. As Osaka spotted her best friend Alex Boston attempting to slip away from the court, she playfully called her out, rallying the IGA Stadium crowd to join in a surprise birthday serenade. “Happy Birthday, Alex! Can we say that 1, 2, 3… singing the whole song? Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, Alex!” Osaka exclaimed, her infectious energy prompting laughter from the on-court commentator, who quipped, “You can keep going, you are doing great by the way.” Osaka, grinning, followed Alex as she tried to exit, jokingly declaring, “You are blocked,” before sharing the moment on Instagram with the caption, “Little did she know the whole stadium was gonna sing her happy birthday a couple hours later lol @alexboston happy birthday 🥳 !!!” The heartwarming exchange, posted on social media, went viral, with fans praising Osaka’s ability to balance fierce competition with lighthearted camaraderie.
Osaka’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. After reaching the Auckland Open final in January, she retired due to an abdominal injury against Clara Tauson, whom she now faces in the Canadian Open semifinals. “She’s really tough,” Osaka said of Tauson, who stunned Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys to reach her second WTA 1000 semifinal of the year. “I played her in Auckland this year and I had to stop halfway because I was injured. So, I’m really excited that I’m healthy, and I hope that it’s a good match for everyone that comes and watches.” Osaka’s recent split with coach Patrick Mouratoglou, announced just before the tournament, has not slowed her momentum. Now working with Tomasz Wiktorowski, formerly Swiatek’s coach, Osaka has won five consecutive WTA-level matches, a feat she last achieved three years ago. “I’m really happy. I’m also really excited,” she said, reflecting on her post-Wimbledon mindset shift. “After Wimbledon, I was really disappointed, and then I just kind of let go of my expectations, and now we’re here. I find it kind of ironic, but I’m happy about it.”
The birthday moment was more than a fleeting celebration; it highlighted Osaka’s ability to connect with fans and friends alike, a quality that has endeared her to the tennis world. Her journey as a mother, mental health advocate, and global icon adds depth to her on-court achievements. “I think I need to pace myself and go for the mini goals, and they’ll eventually turn into the big goals,” she said, a philosophy that has guided her resurgence. As Osaka prepares to face Tauson for a spot in the final, with Elena Rybakina and Canadian wildcard Victoria Mboko battling in the other semifinal, her Montreal run is a reminder of her enduring talent and magnetic presence. Whether she’s blasting 200 km/h serves or leading a stadium in song, Osaka is proving she’s back—and having more fun than ever.
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