Naomi Osaka reached the semifinals of the US Open for the third time in her career Wednesday, but this time, things are different for the former top player in the world.

Osaka defeated Karolina Muchova in straight sets to advance to her first Grand Slam semifinal since 2021, and will face No. 8 seed Amanda Anisimova on Thursday. Osaka has been a serial competitor throughout her career, but her priorities changed after taking a hiatus from tennis.

After becoming pregnant, Osaka stepped away from tennis in 2023, and the birth of her daughter has altered her perspective on life. She has been attempting to bounce back over the past 18 months, but has enjoyed the journey more than expected.

As a four-time Grand Slam winner and former World No. 1, anything other than success is difficult to process. Osaka failed to progress past the second round of any Grand Slam when making her return in 2024, but has shown clear signs of improvement this year.

Osaka’s comeback Slam has finally come at the US Open, but she’s enjoying the run more than ever before. When asked what she had learned about herself since returning in 2024, Osaka didn’t hesitate to answer.

“Yeah, I mean, I learned I loved tennis way more than I thought I did, and I learned that, you know, I actually really love challenges,” she told reporters. “You know, it’s like a video game.

“You pick it up, and even if you lose a level, you kind of just restart and keep going until you eventually win. I think it’s a little tough at some times, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Osaka now appreciates the journey much more, as she previously denied herself the chance to live in the moment. Before, her mentality was always looking ahead to the next game.

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“I think for me, I appreciate the journey a lot more now,” she added. “I think when I was younger, I kind of just kept thinking the next one, the next one, the next one.

“Obviously I would love to appreciate everything right now, but you know, I have a match to play tomorrow. Yeah. They put the mom on last. That’s crazy.

“So, yeah, I’ll probably tell you how much I appreciate it at the end of the tournament, which is hopefully on Saturday for me. But regardless, I’m just really grateful to be playing well in this city.”

Osaka will face Anisimova at Arthur Ashe Stadium following the conclusion of Aryna Sabalenka’s semifinal against Jessica Pegula. The two winners will face off in Saturday’s final.