Naomi Osaka is on a mission at the 2025 Australian Open, and her second-round victory over Karolina Muchova wasn’t just about advancing—it was personal. The four-time Grand Slam champion powered past the Czech star, 1-6, 6-1, 6-3, avenging her U.S. Open loss to Muchova last year, an upset that Osaka still recalls vividly.
“She crushed me at the U.S. Open when I had my best outfit ever,” Osaka quipped during her on-court interview at Kia Arena, drawing laughter from the crowd. “I was so mad. This was my little revenge. Revenge is competitive—it’s not a bad thing.”
A Comeback Fueled by Grit
Osaka’s journey in Melbourne is particularly compelling as she continues her return to the tour after becoming a mother. The 25-year-old has embraced her new role off the court while remaining laser-focused on her goals as a tennis player.
Her latest victory showcased Osaka’s resilience. After a shaky start, she stormed back in commanding fashion, reminding fans why she’s one of the sport’s most electrifying competitors. Muchova, seeded 20th, found herself outmatched by Osaka’s trademark power and precision in the latter stages of the match.
“She’s one of the toughest opponents out there,” Osaka said of Muchova. “It means a lot to beat her.”
Next Up: Belinda Bencic, Another “Mom on a Mission”
Osaka’s next challenge is Swiss star Belinda Bencic, who also returned to the tour recently after giving birth to her daughter. The Tokyo Olympics champion has been in strong form since her comeback, setting the stage for a clash of two determined mothers making waves in professional tennis.
While Osaka downplayed the “mom narrative,” she acknowledged the shared journey. “I think we’re labeled ‘moms,’ of course,” she said. “But when you go on the tennis court, you just think of yourself as a tennis player.”
The matchup promises to be a thriller. Bencic leads their head-to-head record 3-2, though Osaka claimed victory in their most recent encounter—a hard-fought Miami Open semifinal three years ago.
“I know she’s an incredibly tough player. She fights a lot,” Osaka said. “It’s really cool that she also had a baby and came back. She seems to be doing really good, so I think it’s going to be fun.”
Osaka Eyes First Title Since 2021
Osaka’s last title came right here at Melbourne Park in 2021, and she’s hungry to reclaim her spot at the top. Her comeback is about more than tennis—it’s a testament to resilience, adaptability, and her unyielding competitive spirit.
As she faces Bencic in the third round, Osaka has the chance to further cement her narrative as one of the most captivating stories of the tournament. With revenge in the rearview and redemption on her mind, Osaka is proving once again why she’s a force to be reckoned with.