Story perspectives

Naomi Osaka reaches US Open fourth round after comeback

9/6/2026

Summary

Osaka Advances

Naomi Osaka defeated Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the US Open fourth round.
During the match Osaka called a medical timeout for a left Achilles issue and said it was “not a big injury.”
After the timeout Osaka won ten straight points, securing the decisive break at 6-5.
Osaka thanked the crowd, saying she put her heart on court and was shocked to win.

Summary

Osaka Demands Quiet

Naomi Osaka debuted a multi-designer Nike outfit at the US Open, blending New York fashion with tennis.
Law Roach styled Osaka in a Thom Browne sheer jacket embroidered with tiny racquets for her second-round match.
Osaka condemned about 100 credentialed influencers for noisy filming that distracted players and urged officials to enforce quiet-court etiquette.
Coco Gauff supported Osaka’s request, praising new demographics but demanding no flash photography during points.

History

Historical Context

In September 1973, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs at the Houston Astrodome, winning a $100,000 prize before an estimated 50 million TV viewers and 30,492 spectators. The victory helped secure equal prize money at the 1973 US Open and cemented women’s tennis legitimacy. Today, Naomi Osaka’s Nike-styled court attire and calls for quieter matches echo King’s platform-driven advocacy for player-centred reforms.

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Osaka Advances

Naomi Osaka defeated Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the US Open fourth round.
During the match Osaka called a medical timeout for a left Achilles issue and said it was “not a big injury.”
After the timeout Osaka won ten straight points, securing the decisive break at 6-5.
Osaka thanked the crowd, saying she put her heart on court and was shocked to win.

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