Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Naomi Osaka Survives Mertens Thriller to Reach US Open Fourth
Naomi Osaka played Elise Mertens in a very close tennis match.
Osaka won the first set, but Mertens won the second.
Mertens then moved ahead in the final set.
Osaka was upset with her play and made many mistakes.
She took a medical timeout for her left calf and ankle.
After returning, Osaka fought back and tied the set.
She hit a big ace and won the match 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
Osaka will now play Elena Rybakina or Yuliia Starodubtseva.
No. 13 seed Naomi Osaka defeated No. 23 seed Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 at the US Open.
Osaka struggled with 41 unforced errors, particularly on her backhand, as Mertens fought back after the first set.
Mertens took a 3-2 lead in the deciding set after capitalizing on Osaka’s errors.
Osaka received treatment for her left calf and ankle before breaking back and leveling the final set at 4-4.
Osaka sealed victory with a big ace and will face Elena Rybakina or Yuliia Starodubtseva next.
- Who
- Naomi Osaka defeated Elise Mertens.
- What
- Osaka won a three-set US Open third-round match 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
- When
- Saturday.
- Where
- Louis Armstrong Stadium at Flushing Meadows, New York.
- Why
- Osaka won to reach the US Open fourth round.
- Winner
- Naomi Osaka
- Opponent
- Elise Mertens
- Score
- 6-3, 3-6, 7-5
- Seeds
- Osaka was seeded 13th; Mertens was seeded 23rd.
- Errors
- Osaka committed 41 unforced errors, with her backhand a particular weakness.
- Medical treatment
- Osaka received treatment for her left calf and ankle during the deciding set.
- Next possible opponent
- Elena Rybakina or Yuliia Starodubtseva
