Sometimes the journey matters more than the result, and Naomi Osaka’s emphatic US Open run perfectly embodied that truth. The Japanese star gave her throughout the tournament, with her semifinal clash against Amanda Anisimova showcasing her relentless fighting spirit. Though her campaign ended in the last four, fans celebrated her performance, many eagerly anticipating what comes next in the upcoming tournaments.
Since returning to the tour in 2024 after a 15-month maternity hiatus, Osaka had struggled to regain the form that earned her four Grand Slam titles. Her season was marked by early exits and emotional moments shared through social media posts. However, the tide seemed to turn as she arrived in North America for the 2025 season.
How Did Naomi Osaka Win Over Fans During Her US Open Campaign?
Osaka sent a clear message with a commanding runner-up finish in the Canadian Open before setting her sights on the US Open. Her dominance continued as she defeated higher-ranked opponents, including Daria Kasatkina, Coco Gauff, and ultimately Karolína Muchová, to reach the US Open semifinals for the first time in five years.
The challenge ahead was formidable as Osaka faced Anisimova in the semifinals. Determined from the start, she claimed the first set in a tense tie-break. Anisimova fought back, taking the second set in a similar fashion.
In the decisive third set, however, Osaka appeared to lose her rhythm while the home favorite asserted herself with powerful groundstrokes, winning 6-3 and advancing to her second consecutive Major final of the 2025 season.
She never gave up.
See you on Saturday, Amanda! pic.twitter.com/bTSnsfMVoz
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2025
Despite narrowly missing out on another Major title, Osaka drew plenty of positives from her run, a sentiment echoed by countless fans online. One supporter suggested Osaka’s return, combined with her current coach Tomasz Wiktorowski’s guidance, makes the 2026 tennis season thrilling and unpredictable.
“kinda scary for everyone else now that naomi is back and with tomasz, ao 2026 will be very exciting ,” they wrote.
kinda scary for everyone else now that naomi is back and with tomasz, ao 2026 will be very exciting
— numberthree (@picknumber3) September 5, 2025
“I am so proud Naomi made it that far. I am so excited for future tournaments ahhhhhhh. I feel like this is wat she needed,” another chimed in.
“She did Great ,nothing to be upset about . This tournament is the best she has performed in a while,” one said.
Most fans expressed similar excitement about Osaka’s campaign. One wrote:
“Sad for Naomi but I’m still proud of her! Hope she takes all the positives away from this and enters the Asia swing with confidence.”
“So proud of Naomi for getting this far…the other girls better be very afraid. Cause we are back baby!!!!” A fan commented.
“She was literally doing challengers this past spring I’m so proud of her journey and the growth that’s been shown. Hoping she really reflects proudly on this run and can reset for aus open!!” one said.
How Does Amanda Anisimova’s Victory Extend Her Head-to-Head Advantage?
The victory propelled Anisimova into the US Open final and extended her flawless 3-0 head-to-head record against Osaka. The two had previously met at the 2022 French Open, where the American prevailed 7-5, 6-4.
MORE: Naomi Osaka Emotional, Her Mother in Tears As She Reaches Third US Open Semifinal After Prolonged Struggles
Still, Osaka will likely keep her spirits high and aim to capitalize on the momentum she gained during the North American hard-court swing in upcoming tournaments. Adding to her confidence is her rise to No. 14 in the WTA live rankings, with her sights set on breaking back into the top 10 in the events ahead.
