Naomi Osaka is officially back in business.
The four-time Grand Slam champion powered past Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-2 at the National Bank Open in Montreal to book her spot in the semi-finals — and with it, lock in a seeded position for the upcoming US Open.
A Resurgent Osaka Hits Her Stride
This marks Osaka’s best WTA 1000 performance since her run to the final in Miami back in 2022.
After stepping away from tennis for 15 months to give birth to her daughter Shai in July 2023, the 27-year-old former World No. 1 is finding her rhythm again on the tour.
Ranked No. 34 in the live WTA rankings ahead of the match, Osaka’s dominant display against Svitolina now sets up a semi-final clash with Denmark’s Clara Tauson, who upset sixth seed Madison Keys 6-1, 6-4.
Osaka and Tauson have history — earlier this year, they faced off in the Auckland final where Osaka had to retire due to an abdominal injury despite winning the first set.
“I’m really happy. I’m also really excited,” said Osaka. “After Wimbledon, 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.”
Victoria Mboko Joins the Spotlight
In another storyline grabbing headlines, 18-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko has surged into the semi-finals as well.
Playing in her first main draw at home, Mboko will now face Wimbledon finalist Elena Rybakina.
Starting the year outside the top 300, she’s expected to break into the WTA top 50 after this impressive run.
