NEW YORK — Naomi Osaka is back in the spotlight, and her recent comments on the term "comeback" reveal just how much she’s redefining her journey. Once hailed as a powerhouse in women's tennis, Osaka's career took an unexpected detour through motherhood and mental health battles.

Ranked No. 1 at just 23, Osaka, now 27, is instead revisiting her former glory, aiming to climb back up the ranks. This past Wednesday, she wowed a lively crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium by defeating Karolína Muchová in a nail-biting quarterfinal match. This victory marks her return to the US Open semifinals for the first time since 2020, when she clinched her second US Open title and her third Grand Slam trophy.

Osaka's match against Muchová was a microcosm of her recent experiences. She surged ahead, faced multiple break points, but showed remarkable resilience, breaking back to clinch the tiebreaker and the win. Post-match, she reflected on motherhood, stating, "I think I’m a lot more focused now."

This Thursday will be significant, as it represents her first Grand Slam semifinal appearance since 2021, the year she withdrew from the French Open, prioritizing her mental health.

Her experiences echo those of fellow athlete Simone Biles, who bravely shared her struggles during the 2021 Olympics, raising awareness about mental health in elite sports. Just as Biles staged a triumphant return, Osaka is on the verge of a remarkable re-entry into tennis—potentially adding another Grand Slam title to her collection.

The excitement around Osaka is palpable. Her unique spirit, style, and of course, her talent, have been sorely missed in the tennis world. Yet her road back has been anything but smooth; after withdrawing from the French Open in 2021, Osaka faced a series of setbacks across her next tournaments, even missing the entire 2023 season due to pregnancy.

Reflecting on her time away, Osaka shared, "I learned that I love tennis way more than I thought I did. It's like a video game. You keep going until you finally win."

Admiration for Osaka goes beyond her wins; it’s her grace and empathy that truly set her apart. From her poignant victory against Serena Williams in 2018—where she humbly comforted her idol amidst controversy—to nurturing the young Coco Gauff after their match, Osaka exemplifies compassion in the competitive arena.

In 2020, during the pandemic, Osaka made headlines by wearing masks bearing the names of Black victims of violence. Her purpose-driven actions illustrated how sports can shine a light on important societal issues, a legacy she continues to build upon.

As she gears up for the semifinals, the landscape of tennis has changed drastically since she won her first US Open at 20. With her fierce determination, Osaka is ready to reclaim her title. There’s no doubt that she is on a mission, and after witnessing the upset of No. 2 seed Iga Świątek, the door for Osaka’s triumph appears more open than ever.

In this charged atmosphere, her multifaceted identity as a biracial athlete—a Japanese mother and Haitian father—serves as a beacon of diversity. Whether you call it a comeback or a climb back, one thing is clear: Naomi Osaka is needed now more than ever, and her return is a story we can all rally behind.

Tennis—and the world—has missed her, and now that she’s back, the excitement is undeniably infectious!