Full Breakdown
Naomi Osaka Battles Back to Reach the US Open Fourth Round
9/6/2026, 8:54:03 PM
Core Event – Osaka defeats Elise Mertens in three sets
No. 13-seed Naomi Osaka overcame Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to advance to the fourth round of the 2026 US Open. The match, played on a Saturday at Louis Armstrong Stadium, featured a dramatic swing in momentum: Osaka surged ahead in the first set, dropped the second after a lapse in concentration, and rallied in the third despite a lower-leg injury and a brief medical timeout.
Background & Context
Osaka entered the tournament after a resurgence this season, posting a 28-10 win-loss record. She reached the third round at the Australian Open, the last-16 at Roland Garros, and the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, where she defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka before falling to Karolina Muchova. Two and a half years after returning from maternity leave, Osaka has been praised for growing confidence and consistency.
Data & Statistics
- Seed: 13
- Opponent seed: 23 (Mertens)
- Final score: 6-3, 3-6, 7-5
- Match duration: 2 hours 38 minutes
- Injury: “nagging” left Achilles/ calf issue that prompted a three-minute medical timeout in the third set
- Serve: Osaka held a high first-serve percentage in the decisive set, winning over 90 % of those points
Official Statements & Responses
Osaka described the contest as “definitely really tough” and said she felt compelled to fight through the physical discomfort. Osaka also expressed remorse for her on-court frustration, apologising to younger viewers for her behavior.
Why It Matters
The victory marks Osaka’s fifth appearance in the second week of a Grand Slam in a single year—a milestone in her post-maternity career. Advancing keeps her on a path that could set up a fourth-round clash with second-seed Elena Rybakina, who would become world No. 1 with a semifinal run. Osaka’s ability to win while managing injury underscores her resilience and positions her as a contender for a third US Open title.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The match was definitely really tough and I don't know, I just felt like I had to fight,” — Naomi Osaka, two-time champion
- “I know she's one of the best players in the world, so I have no choice but to come with a high level,” — Naomi Osaka, two-time champion
- “I’m literally shocked that I won this match. I’m not gonna lie to you,” — Naomi Osaka, two-time champion
- “I wouldn’t say it’s a big injury, but it’s been something that I’ve been dealing with since grass season,” — Naomi Osaka, two-time champion
- “I was really negative on myself, so I’m really sorry about my behavior,” — Naomi Osaka, two-time champion
