Naomi Osaka stepped onto the court sporting a fresh, fashion‑forward outfit and delivered a gritty three‑set win over Elise Mertens to secure her place in the fourth round of the US Open. Her performance combined a sleek, business‑like wardrobe with an aggressive, all‑court game plan, allowing her to pull through in a tense 6‑3, 3‑6, 7‑5 victory against the 23rd‑seeded Belgian on the iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium. For this appearance Osaka chose a look that blended the formality of a boardroom with the comfort of a locker room. She wore a grey, checked blazer‑hoodie paired with wide‑leg trousers, giving her a tailored yet relaxed silhouette that stood out from the usual tennis attire.
The ensemble underscored her reputation as a style icon who isn’t afraid to experiment with unconventional looks while still maintaining a professional edge. "Honestly, I can’t believe I won this match," Osaka told the crowd after the final point, expressing genuine surprise and gratitude for the energy the spectators supplied. "There was a moment when I gave everything I had on the court and kept fighting on every point. Thank you so much, but I’m honestly shocked I came out on top.
I’m not going to lie about it." The 28‑year‑old, a two‑time champion at Flushing Meadows, started the match in dominant fashion, ripping off three consecutive games to take a 4‑1 lead in the opening set. She sealed the set with a series of powerful serves that left Mertens scrambling for answers. In the second set Osaka shifted gears, employing heavy baseline strokes and breaking Mertens in the third game, only to lose the next two games and see the Belgian level the match at one set all. The third set turned into a battle of wills.
Mertens capitalized on a handful of unforced errors from Osaka, who appeared frustrated at times. A brief medical timeout for Osaka provided a momentary pause, after which she regrouped. Late in the set, Osaka broke serve, then followed it with a massive ace to take a 6‑5 lead.
She finished the match by unleashing a ferocious forehand in the final game, sealing her victory and setting up a potential clash with second seed Elena Rybakina or Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in the next round. After the match Osaka reflected on her performance, acknowledging that she had not played her best tennis.
"I didn’t play amazingly and it was getting me down. I’m sorry about my behaviour, especially for the kids watching," she said, referencing a moment when she tossed her racket onto the court in frustration. "This is my favourite tournament.
I wanted to play well in front of you. I’m just so glad I have the chance to compete in another match.
I thought I would be okay, but clearly I was shaky." In another exciting encounter, home‑grown hope Iva Jovic faced her close friend and fellow Filipino talent Alexandra Eala in a three‑hour duel at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 18‑year‑old American emerged victorious with a 7‑5, 3‑6, 7‑5 scoreline, earning a spot in the fourth round. Their friendship had been on display earlier in the tournament during Fan Week, when they teamed up with their fathers for a light‑hearted doubles exhibition. Jovic edged a tightly contested first set, but Eala raised her level in the second, taking the set and forcing a decisive third.
The final set featured multiple momentum swings; Jovic found herself trailing 4‑2 before mounting a comeback to close out the match. This win extended her head‑to‑head advantage over Eala to 3‑0, with each victory coming on a different surface, highlighting Jovic’s adaptability and mental toughness. "It felt like a marathon. I felt like I lost my sanity five times over to win that match, but it’s worth it for this feeling," Jovic said, visibly emotional on court.
"I’m usually not one to show that many emotions, but this one meant a lot to me. It’s everything to have another match at the US Open." Jovic’s triumph sets up an all‑American showdown with Coco Gauff, who advanced earlier in the day by defeating Spain’s Cristina Bucsa. The upcoming clash promises to be a high‑octane battle between two of the tournament’s most exciting young players. The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available via NOW and the Sky Sports app.
Fans can also catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, all streamed live on Sky Sports.