Naomi Osaka shines at US Open, eyes top-10 after overcoming postpartum depression

Naomi Osaka, former world No. 1, returned to a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the first time since 2021, defeating Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 at the US Open 2025 in New York on the night of September 1. The 27-year-old Japanese star, who faced postpartum depression and a drop to 833rd in the WTA rankings in 2024, showcased resilience and brilliance on tennis’ biggest stage. Her win over the world No. 3 marked her return to the top-20 and solidified her comeback story. Now, Osaka faces Czech Karolina Muchova in the quarters, with coverage on sportv 3, aiming for a semifinal spot and potentially a third US Open title. This achievement underscores her recovery from mental and physical challenges, reigniting her passion for the sport.

The four-time Grand Slam champion, including two US Open titles (2018 and 2020), emphasized the emotional weight of the tournament. “Being back on this court is special. It’s my favorite court in the world,” Osaka said after beating Gauff. Her journey, marked by highs and lows, gained attention in the documentary “Naomi Osaka: The Second Act,” which details her struggle with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter Shai in July 2023.

• Key moments of Osaka’s 2025 US Open campaign:
• Victory over Greet Minnen in the first round.
• Win against Hailey Baptiste in the second round.
• Upset of Daria Kasatkina, world No. 18, in the third round.
• Dominant performance against Coco Gauff, world No. 3, in the fourth round.

Path to redemption

Osaka reached the top of the WTA rankings in 2019, becoming the first Asian to achieve that feat. However, since 2018, she has battled mental health issues, which intensified in 2021. That year, she withdrew from Roland Garros and skipped Wimbledon, just before lighting the Olympic cauldron in Tokyo. The pressure of global stardom, combined with motherhood, led to moments of vulnerability. In 2023, after Shai’s birth, Osaka faced severe postpartum depression, questioning her identity. “I felt like a shell of myself,” she revealed in the documentary. Her fall to 833rd in 2024 reflects those struggles, but also her strength to return to the elite.

Using a protected ranking in 2024, Osaka faced initial setbacks. Her turnaround began in 2025 with a title at the WTA 125 in Saint-Malo, her first trophy in four years. A runner-up finish at the WTA 1,000 in Montreal in August boosted her confidence, placing her back in the top-100. At the US Open, Osaka showed consistency, dropping just one set (against Kasatkina) in four matches. Her performance against Gauff, with a 94% first-serve point win rate, sent a clear message: the champion is back.

The stretch run is going to be special 🤩 pic.twitter.com/0IxX7WkJX9

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2025

Clash with Muchova

Osaka’s next challenge is Karolina Muchova, world No. 13, in the quarterfinals on September 3. The matchup is even, with two wins each in four meetings. Their most recent clash, in the second round of the 2025 Australian Open, saw Osaka win 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 in a comeback. Muchova, known for her creative and versatile style, reached the quarters after a three-set battle against Marta Kostyuk. “She’s one of the most talented players on tour. It’ll be tough,” Osaka noted.

• Osaka vs. Muchova head-to-head:
• 2020: Osaka won at Cincinnati WTA (6-4, 6-2).
• 2021: Muchova won at Madrid Open (6-4, 3-6, 6-1).
• 2024: Muchova won at US Open (6-3, 7-6).
• 2025: Osaka won at Australian Open (1-6, 6-1, 6-3).

Muchova, a two-time US Open semifinalist (2023, 2024), is a formidable opponent. Her ability to mix spins and angles could test Osaka’s aggressive style, built on powerful serves and forehands. Osaka, however, remains confident. “I’m relaxed. I just want to improve with every match,” she said.

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Ranking surge

Osaka’s US Open run has already secured a ranking leap. From 61st at the tournament’s start, she’ll return to the top-20, potentially reaching No. 11 with a title. Her climb from 833rd a year ago is remarkable. With a perfect 4-for-4 record in Grand Slam quarterfinals, a third US Open crown would cement her return to tennis’ elite. Her work with new coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, formerly Iga Swiatek’s coach, has sharpened her game. “He helped me trust my shots again,” Osaka said.

Rediscovering joy

Osaka highlighted the emotional significance of playing in New York, where she grew up in Queens. “This is my favorite place to play. I feel the crowd’s energy,” she said. Against Gauff, she controlled the match, exploiting the American’s 33 unforced errors. The 64-minute win showcased a confident Osaka, far from the struggles of 2023 and 2024.

• Osaka’s stats vs. Gauff:
• 84% first-serve points won.
• 4/4 break points converted.
• Only 12 unforced errors, compared to Gauff’s 33.
• Average serve speed: 105.2 mph.

The Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd of over 23,000 split support between the two stars, but Osaka felt at ease. “Playing the best makes me smile. It’s why I love tennis,” she said. Her daughter, Shai, has been a driving force. “I want her to see her mom fighting and having fun,” she added.

Legacy and impact

Osaka is not just an elite athlete but a global icon. As the first Japanese woman to win a Grand Slam, she broke barriers for diversity in tennis. Her story of resilience resonates worldwide, especially after her documentary revealed her mental health struggles. She remains one of the highest-paid female athletes, earning $16 million in endorsements in 2019, per Forbes, second only to Serena Williams. Brands like Nike and Yonex back her star power.

• Osaka’s achievements:
• Four Grand Slam titles (US Open 2018, 2020; Australian Open 2019, 2021).
• First Asian world No. 1 in 2019.
• Seven career singles titles, all on hard courts.

Osaka also advocates for mental health and racial equality. In 2020, she wore masks honoring victims of police violence at the US Open, amplifying the Black Lives Matter movement. “I want to make a difference, on and off the court,” she said.

What’s next in the quarters

The Muchova match will test Osaka’s consistency. The Czech, who defeated Venus Williams in the first round, demands patience with her versatile game. Osaka relies on her power and big-stage experience, backed by New York’s crowd. A win could set up a semifinal against Iga Swiatek or Amanda Anisimova, reigniting dreams of a third US Open title.