Former world number one Naomi Osaka has made headlines once again, this time with her impressive performance at the Auckland Open, reaching her first semifinal since 2022. After taking a 15-month maternity leave, the four-time Grand Slam champion showcased her resilience and determination, advancing to this pivotal stage of the tournament. With the Australian Open looming on the horizon, her success may set the tone for what’s expected to be a defining year.
Osaka faced unseeded American Hailey Baptiste in the quarterfinals, marking her return to competitive tennis with considerable pressure and high expectations. After losing the first set in a tiebreak, Osaka flipped the script, demonstrating powerful serving and precise shot-making to win 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2. "Honestly, I’m really happy," Osaka expressed after the match. "For me, I struggled a lot last year with not producing results and to just come out with a bang... it’s like a continuation of the growth." This marked her first semifinal appearance since she was runner-up at the Miami Open back in 2022.
Throughout the Auckland Open, Osaka's performances reflected her gradual return to top form. She began her campaign with solid straight-sets victories over Lina Glushko and Julia Grabher, showing glimpses of her former prowess on the court. "I put a lot of work in throughout last year, and even though the results didn’t show it, I think I’m just continuing to try as hard as I can and see where it gets me," she noted, emphasizing the importance of confidence and perseverance as key takeaways from her training.
The stakes are undeniably high for Osaka as she approaches the 2025 season. Despite her recent success, she has candidly acknowledged the contrasting emotions she feels about her career's future. Remarkably, she hinted at the possibility of retirement if she cannot meet her expectations this year, saying, "I don’t think I’m the type of player who would hang around. At this point in my life, if I’m not above a certain ranking, I’d rather spend time with my daughter if I’m not where I think I should be." This indication places her upcoming performances under added scrutiny, as Osaka balances her roles as both a professional athlete and mother.
The Auckland tournament serves as not just another event but a strategic preparation for Osaka before heading to the Australian Open, where she aims to recapture the glories of her past victories, having previously triumphed there twice. The recent wins could bolster her confidence going forward, presenting her with the competitive edge needed to face formidable opponents. “I think it’s the kind of experience I need,” she said, reflecting on the challenges posed by hard-fought matches.
Despite earlier struggles since her return to the tour, there have been signs of improvement for Osaka. Ranked 57th as she entered the Auckland Open, she is on the verge of breaking back to the top 50 of the WTA Rankings, which would signify substantial progress. Yet, the road to the top is laden with potential difficulties and inconsistent performances, which have been apparent throughout her previous season where she did not secure any titles.
At the 2025 Auckland Open, Osaka has not only bolstered her confidence with each match but has also hinted at the revival of the competitive fire within her. After her quarterfinal victory, she noted, "It sucks [that Baptiste] was injured but I think we played a really high-quality match." This acknowledgment of the challenges faced adds depth to her character on the court, showcasing her respect for her opponents and the sport itself.
Osaka’s upcoming semifinal against either Alycia Parks or Katie Volynets will undoubtedly be another test, one filled with weighty significance as she searches for her first title since winning the Australian Open back in 2021. Should she emerge victorious, it would not only reignite her career but also solidify her status as one of the sport’s most prominent figures, supporting her claim of still belonging among the elite.
Within the narrative of her comeback, Osaka's reflections on identity are compelling. After achieving historic milestones, such as winning four Grand Slams and lighting the Olympic flame, her recent experiences of returning to competitive tennis after being out for over a year reveal the duality she feels—both as a seasoned veteran and as someone who has to navigate the new dynamics of the game. “I feel like I’ve been out of the game to the point where I accept the fact I’m playing new people because there are new people entering the game every year,” she remarked, encapsulating her current state of mind.
Naomi Osaka's return to the Auckland semifinals is not merely about sporting success; it is entwined with her personal life, motherhood, and reflections upon her significance as one of the sport's trailblazers. Following her recent performances, the coming weeks hold great promise as she heads to the Australian Open with renewed focus and the motivation to redefine her legacy within the world of tennis.