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Naomi Osaka Saves Three Match Points, Reaches Fourth Round

9/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Naomi Osaka defeated Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the US Open fourth round.
Osaka saved three match points and played 2 hours 38 minutes despite an ongoing Achilles issue.
Second seed Elena Rybakina beat Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-6(6), 6-3 to also reach the fourth round.
Rybakina could become world No. 1 for the first time if she reaches the US Open semifinals.

History

Historical Context

In 2009 Kim Clijsters returned from a five-year retirement, entered the US Open unranked via wild cards and defeated both Williams sisters before beating Caroline Wozniacki for the title, becoming the first unseeded woman and first mother to win a Grand Slam since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980. Her triumph spurred fellow Belgian Justine Henin’s comeback later that year.

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Story summary

Naomi Osaka defeated Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the US Open fourth round.
Osaka saved three match points and played 2 hours 38 minutes despite an ongoing Achilles issue.
Second seed Elena Rybakina beat Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-6(6), 6-3 to also reach the fourth round.
Rybakina could become world No. 1 for the first time if she reaches the US Open semifinals.

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