Naomi Osaka is back in the spotlight at Flushing Meadows, but this time it’s not only her tennis that has people talking.
After powering past Karolína Muchová in the quarterfinals of the 2025 US Open, Osaka gave an honest and lighthearted take about her match and the glittering outfit that lit up Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The four-time Grand Slam champion, who defeated Muchová 6-4, 7-6(3) on Wednesday night, used the moment to reflect on how far she has come in her comeback.
But while her level of play drew headlines, it was her candid comment about her outfit that stole the post-match conversation.
“It was an incredibly difficult match. She was one of the best players in the world and every time I have to play with her, it’s so difficult,” Osaka said after the match.
“Last year she beat me here when I had one of my best outfits. That was really an upset,” Osaka joked after the win, smiling as the crowd laughed along.
Naomi Osaka’s Quarterfinal Win Brings Emotional Reactions
The victory over Muchová carried more weight than just a semifinal ticket. For Osaka, it marked her first US Open semifinal since 2020 and continued her perfect record in major quarterfinals, now 5-0.
Muchová, battling through a thigh injury, still pushed Osaka deep into rallies and forced the second set into a tiebreak. But Osaka, showcasing both patience and precision, closed it out under the lights in front of a roaring New York crowd.
The moment was also emotional for Osaka’s family. Her mother, Tamaki, was seen in tears in the stands as her daughter celebrated.
Just two years ago, Osaka had attended the tournament as a spectator while adjusting to life after giving birth to her daughter, Shai. This time, she was the one making the headlines.
“I was sitting up there watching and hoping that I could have the opportunity to play on this court again,” Osaka said in her on-court interview. “So, yeah, this is like my dream is coming true.”
Osaka grew up in Queens after her family moved from Japan when she was a child, and she has often described the US Open as a homecoming event.
For each match, she has carried a sparkling custom Labubu doll attached to her racket bag, giving each one a playful tennis-inspired name.
For all the attention on her outfit, Osaka’s game remains the central story. After struggling in recent years and missing the 2023 US Open following the birth of her daughter, she has steadily rebuilt her confidence and fitness.
The next challenge for Osaka comes in the semifinals, where she will face American Amanda Anisimova, who stunned World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in her quarterfinal. Win or lose, Osaka has already reminded the tennis world of her resilience and her sparkle, both on the court and in her fashion choices.