A version of this article was first published on September 3, 2025
Naomi Osaka had little to discuss while she was confronted with the media in Wimbledon. Anger had given way to apathy.
The four -time big champion thought that she “had nothing positive to say” after a discouraging exit on the third round.
Now, less than two months later, the smile has returned to the face of Osaka.
The 27-year-old former world number one seems to have rediscovered her Mojo and will be confronted with Amanda Anisimova in the American open semi-final on Thursday.
“Some of her tennis is reminiscent of when she won her two titles here,” said former British number one Annabel Croft, who analyzed Osaka’s impressive fourth round victory over Third Coco Gauff for BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Her game is all about amazingly clean ball, taking control of the baseline, opening the field, building the point and touching a winner.
“If she is confident, she is someone who makes the game look so easy and effortless.”
The Japanese Osaka did not play 14 months around the birth of daughter Shai in July 2023, and her way back to the top of the game she once dominated, was gradual.
After the lack of positivity at Wimbledon and the questioning of her direction, she is now preparing for a Grand Slam Semi-Final.
So what has changed in recent months?
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