Naomi Osaka stepped onto the court sporting a fresh, fashion-forward look and ultimately delivered a composed performance, edging out Elise Mertens in a gripping three‑set battle to secure her place in the fourth round of the US Open. Osaka’s outfit, which blended professional polish with athletic comfort, paired a grey checked blazer‑hoodie with wide‑leg trousers, creating a sleek, business‑chic ensemble that set the tone for her aggressive style of play. The combination of her sharp attire and an all‑out attacking strategy proved decisive as she claimed a 6‑3, 3‑6, 7‑5 victory over the 23rd‑seeded Belgian on the storied Louis Armstrong Stadium.
From the first point, Osaka demonstrated why she remains one of the sport’s most compelling figures. The 28‑year‑old, a two‑time champion at Flushing Meadows, exploded out of the gates, rattling off three consecutive games to build a 4‑1 lead in the opening set. Her serve was particularly potent, delivering a series of booming deliveries that forced Mertens onto the defensive and allowed Osaka to close the set with a hard‑fought hold. When the second set began, Osaka shifted gears, employing heavy baseline strokes that pressured the Belgian.
She broke Mertens in the third game, but the momentum swung quickly as Osaka dropped the next two games, handing the set to Mertens, who leveled the match at one set apiece. The deciding set became a showcase of mental resilience and tactical adjustments. Early on, Mertens capitalized on a handful of unforced errors from Osaka, who appeared momentarily frustrated, and surged ahead.
However, a brief medical timeout for Osaka seemed to reset her focus. Upon returning, Osaka broke Mertens late in the set, then fired a thunderous ace to seize a 6‑5 advantage. She followed that with a blistering forehand winner in the next game, sealing the match and earning a spot in the next round against either second seed Elena Rybakina or Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva.
After the win, Osaka expressed disbelief at her performance. "Honestly, I can’t believe I won this match," she told the crowd, thanking them for their energy. "There was a point where I poured my heart into every rally. I’m shocked I won – I’m not going to lie about it." She also acknowledged moments of frustration, admitting she had thrown her racket on the court and apologised for her behavior, especially for the younger fans watching.
"I didn’t play amazing and it was getting me down, sorry about my behaviour for the little kids watching," Osaka said, before adding, "This is my favourite tournament. I wanted to play well in front of you.
I’m just so glad I have the opportunity to play another match. I thought I was going to be okay, but clearly I was shaky." In another compelling match on Arthur Ashe Stadium, home‑grown hope Iva Jovic faced off against fellow Filipino talent Alexandra Eala. Their friendship, forged during Fan Week when they teamed up with their fathers for a light‑hearted doubles exhibition, added an emotional layer to the contest.
The 18‑year‑old American Jovic managed to outlast the 21‑year‑old Eala in a marathon three‑set duel, winning 7‑5, 3‑6, 7‑5 and advancing to the fourth round. Jovic claimed a narrow first set, but Eala rallied in the second, raising her level and forcing a decider. The final set was a roller‑coaster of momentum swings; Jovic fell behind 4‑2 before digging deep, turning the tide and ultimately clinching the match. This victory extended Jovic’s head‑to‑head dominance over Eala to 3‑0, with each win coming on a different surface, underscoring her adaptability and competitive edge.
Reflecting on the grueling encounter, Jovic described it as a marathon of emotions. "It felt like a marathon.
I felt like I lost my sanity five times over to win that match. But it’s really worth it for this feeling," she said on court. "I’m usually not one that shows 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 tournament by defeating Spain’s Cristina Bucsa.
The prospect of an American‑vs‑American clash adds further intrigue to the upcoming round, promising high‑stakes tennis for fans. Beyond the individual matches, the US Open continues to captivate a global audience.
Broadcasts are live on Sky Sports starting August 30, and streaming options are available without a contract via NOW and the Sky Sports App. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also televised on Sky Sports.
The tournament’s blend of high‑level competition, fashion statements, and personal narratives ensures it remains a marquee event on the sporting calendar.