"It's like a video game, you can restart until you win," says Osaka after her victory against Muchova at the US Open

Naomi Osaka is in the semifinals of the US Open for the third time in her career. After her previous triumphs in New York in 2018 and 2020, the Japanese player, who has returned to the top 30 following her impressive run in Montreal in recent weeks, eliminated Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals (6-4, 7-6).

The 27-year-old player will now face Amanda Anisimova for a spot in the final of the American Grand Slam. In a press conference, Osaka discussed her match today against the Czech player.

"The match was very tough. I told myself to hang in there until I had an opportunity, not to panic, and to try to hit a winning shot, which was difficult because she likes to change the pace with slices.

She was really aggressive on my second serves. So I tried to tell myself to stay calm. Since returning from pregnancy, I've learned that I love tennis much more than I thought, and that I really enjoy challenges.

It's like a video game. Even if you lose, you can restart and keep going until you win. It's a bit tough sometimes, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world," Osaka stated to L'Équipe in recent hours.