Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has long been a titan of tennis, her powerful groundstrokes and unyielding spirit captivating fans worldwide. Yet, her return to the sport after giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023, has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks. Two months ago, at the Washington Open in July 2025, Osaka faced a humbling 6-4, 6-2 loss to Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open winner, in a match that laid bare her struggles with consistency. Far from breaking her, however, this defeat became a catalyst for a remarkable turnaround, propelling Osaka to the semifinals of the 2025 US Open—her deepest Grand Slam run since her 2020 title. “Actually, it was after Wimbledon but specifically after DC, after I played Raducanu,” Osaka reflected, pinpointing the moment that sparked a shift in her mindset and approach.
The Washington match was a stark reminder of the challenges Osaka faced in her comeback. Against Raducanu, her serve faltered, with seven double faults undermining her efforts, and she failed to convert any break-point opportunities. Raducanu, in contrast, was relentless, seizing three of four break points and commanding the baseline with precision. “I think all losses suck a lot,” Osaka admitted post-match, yet she found herself surprisingly composed. “I’m also a little confused why I’m okay right now compared to, like, other matches in the past,” she said, a sentiment that hinted at an inner confidence that refused to waver. This clarity led to a pivotal moment: Osaka convened a “roundtable” with her team, determined to analyze her performance and forge a new strategy. “I was just very confused how confident that I was in myself, because even though I lost, I just remember telling them that I think I can beat anyone from the baseline still,” she recalled, underscoring a belief in her game’s foundation that fueled her next steps.
The defining move came swiftly. Days after the Raducanu loss, Osaka made a bold coaching change, parting ways with Patrick Mouratoglou, the esteemed coach behind Serena Williams’ 10 Grand Slam titles. She enlisted Tomasz Wiktorowski, formerly Iga Swiatek’s coach, whose tactical expertise proved to be a game-changer. “Then Tomasz came into the picture, and we have been on a roll since then,” Osaka said, crediting Wiktorowski for sharpening her focus. The impact was undeniable: since the switch, Osaka has won 11 of her last 12 matches, reaching the Canadian Open final and storming into the US Open semifinals. Her 6-4, 7-6(3) victory over Karolina Muchova in New York highlighted a reinvigorated Osaka, blending her signature baseline power with a newfound mental resilience that left opponents scrambling.
Osaka’s 2025 season has been a testament to her perseverance. Before Wiktorowski, her win rate hovered at 65%, solid but below her lofty standards. The Washington defeat forced her to confront her vulnerabilities head-on, prompting a strategic overhaul. “We just have to figure out if I have to change my game plan or if I have to do something new or different,” she told her team, a moment of clarity that set the stage for her resurgence. Now, as she prepares to face Amanda Anisimova in the US Open semifinals, Osaka carries momentum but also the weight of history—Anisimova leads their head-to-head 2-0 in Grand Slam matches. Yet, Osaka’s ability to turn adversity into opportunity suggests she’s ready for the challenge.
Off the court, Osaka’s candor about her struggles has deepened her connection with fans. She’s spoken openly about feeling isolated, often perceived as “extremely introverted” or sporting “RBF” (resting bitch face), despite her efforts to engage with peers. “I have been saying hi to everyone for the past year and a half since I have been back,” she shared, offering a glimpse into the human side of a global icon. Her journey from the sting of defeat in Washington to the bright lights of New York’s semifinals embodies her philosophy: “Progress is not linear, but the grind is worth it.” As Osaka steps onto the court, her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
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