Watch: Osaka introduces 'Andre Swagassi' Labubu after reaching US Open semi-final

Naomi Osaka marked her US Open semi-final celebration on Wednesday night by unveiling her fifth Labubu collectible, Andre Swagassi, a nod to tennis legend Andre Agassi. She has brought a new miniature companion to the court for each match of the tournament, turning her Grand Slam run into a colourful display of creativity while marking a strong return from maternity leave.

Osaka has long shared her affection for Labubu, a quirky designer figure, and this latest addition comes at a perfect time as she continues her comeback. With momentum building both on and off the court, she now turns her attention to a semi-final clash with Amanda Anisimova.

In the first round, Osaka introduced Billie Jean Bling, modeled after the legendary Billie Jean King. Another, called La-Billie-Bu, also drew inspiration from King and even wore the Hall of Famer's signature red eyeglasses. She later unveiled Arthur Flashe, named in honour of Arthur Ashe, whose name adorns the U.S. Open's main stadium.

Osaka said she had learned to love tennis more than ever after reaching the U.S. Open semi-finals on Wednesday with a 6-4, 7-6(3) win over Karolina Muchova. Four years after winning her fourth major, the 23rd seed, who returned to the tour last season after a long maternity break, extended her perfect record in Grand Slam quarter-finals to 5-0 and will face Amanda Anisimova in the semi-finals.

Reflecting on her journey, Osaka said: "I learned I loved tennis way more than I thought I did and I learned that I actually love challenges. It's like a video game. You pick it up, and even if you lose a level you just restart and keep going until you eventually win. I think it's a little tough at some times, but I wouldn't trade it for the world."

Muchova, who had spent over 10 hours on court across four gruelling rounds, required treatment in the locker room for what appeared to be a left leg issue after dropping a tight opening set. She came out firing, breaking at the start of the next set. Heavy strapping on her thigh hampered her movement at times, but she continued to challenge Osaka, even breaking for a 5-4 lead, before the Japanese star wrested back control and secured victory in the tiebreak.

Osaka added: "It was an incredibly difficult match. She is one of the best players in the world. Every time I play against her it's so difficult. Last year she beat me when I had one of my best outfits. I was really upset. I'm just grateful to be here."

"She's one of the players where you don't know where she's going to hit the ball kind of thing. I honestly didn't watch the Wimbledon final," Osaka said. "Obviously I saw the scoreline, and I saw how devastated she must be, but I think to play Iga here and to win it on home soil is something that's a really big achievement, and credit to her. "I think the match is going to be really tough tomorrow."