Amanda Anisimova took a moment to show love and appreciation to Naomi Osaka following their US Open match as the 24-year-old American told the Japanese that she was back to where she belonged and doing "insane" things as a mother.
When Anisimova and Osaka met on Thursday evening in the remaining women's semifinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the home player was aiming to make her first US Open final, but also her second consecutive Grand Slam final. On the other side, her Japanese rival was seeking her first US Open final since 2020 – her first Slam final since the 2021 Australian Open – and her first Major final returning to tennis as a mother in 2024.
After winning the opening set via a tie-break, Osaka put herself in a better position to win. But Anisimova refused to quit and ultimately managed to mount a 6-7 (4) 7-6 (3) 6-3 comeback win after just less than three hours of play. Moments after their match ended, they shared a warm embrace.
Anisimova: I told Osaka I'm proud of her… To have a baby and play at this level is insane
"Naomi is playing amazing tennis. She’s back where she belongs. I told her that I’m so proud of her after having a baby and playing at this level. It’s insane. She was really giving me a run for the final. I wasn’t sure I’d make it past the finish line. I tried to dig deep," the 24-year-old shared when asked what she told the Japanese.
Amanda Anisimova had kind words for Naomi Osaka after beating her at U.S. Open
“How did you come back?”
Amanda: “I don’t know 😂. Naomi is playing amazing tennis. She’s back where she belongs. I told her that I’m so proud of her after having a baby and playing at this level.… pic.twitter.com/sJ3ECtDOqN
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 5, 2025
Meanwhile, Osaka insisted that she was "not sad" following her US Open semifinal exit, but rather encouraged and inspired for the future.
