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naomi osaka

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Silas

Naomi Osaka is back in the spotlight at the 2025 US Open, having reached the fourth round of a major for the first time since her 2021 Grand Slam victory[3]. She set up a highly anticipated clash against defending champion Coco Gauff, with the match scheduled for Labor Day—one of the highlights of the tournament so far[1].

Osaka’s path to the fourth round included a hard-fought win over Daria Kasatkina, where she survived a third-round scare to advance[5]. Analysts suggest that her offensive style will match up against Gauff’s exceptional defense, with both former champions aiming to exploit each other’s weaknesses[1]. Osaka’s strategy throughout the tournament has focused on shortening points and playing aggressively, while Gauff will look to extend rallies and test Osaka’s consistency on the edges of the court[1].

This return to the deep rounds of a Slam marks a significant milestone for Osaka, who resumed her career in 2024 following maternity leave. Since her comeback, she has made strong showings in tournaments such as Doha, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Rome, and Beijing, and secured titles at Saint Malo and finals appearances in Montreal and Auckland in 2025[2]. Her 2025 record stands at 27 wins and 12 losses, and she is currently ranked No. 24 in the world[4].

Osaka has been open about focusing on “finding joy” in her tennis at this year’s US Open, expressing that her mindset and positivity have been central to her recent resurgence on the court[3]. In recent press conferences, she highlighted improvements in both her attitude and tactical approach, with an emphasis on positive thinking and more judicious shot placement[6].

Career-wise, Osaka remains one of the most dominant hard-court players of her generation with four Grand Slam titles (two US Open, two Australian Open) and a career total of seven singles titles[2][7]. Her continued progress at the 2025 US Open signals a return to top form as she aims for her fifth major crown.

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