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naomi osaka

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Silas

Naomi Osaka has advanced to the semifinals of the National Bank Open (Canadian Open) in Montreal after a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over No. 10 seed Elina Svitolina, marking her best WTA 1000 performance since her 2022 Miami final[2][5][7].

This semifinal run propels Osaka into the world’s top 32, securing her a seeded position at the upcoming 2025 US Open—a milestone she last reached at a Grand Slam during the 2022 Australian Open. If she wins the Montreal title, she could rise as high as No. 21 in the rankings[3][5].

Osaka will next face rising Danish star Clara Tauson in the semifinal. The two previously met at the ASB Classic in Auckland at the start of this season; Osaka won the first set but had to retire due to an abdominal injury[2].

Reflecting on her return to form after maternity leave in 2023, Osaka said, “I’m really happy. I’m also really excited. After Wimbledon (a third-round loss), 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”[2][5].

Her recent resurgence is partly credited to partnering with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, former mentor to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Since returning to the tour, Osaka has taken out notable seeds in Montreal, including Luidmila Samsonova and Jelena Ostapenko, and looks poised for a strong finish this season[3].

Osaka’s current 2025 record stands at 21-11, and she continues her quest for an eighth career title and her first since the 2021 Australian Open. Off the court, she balances her comeback with motherhood, having given birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023[1][4].

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