Naomi Osaka stepped onto the hard‑court in a fresh, fashion‑forward outfit and, after a gritty three‑set battle, secured a place in the US Open fourth round by defeating Elise Mertens. The Japanese star’s combination of a sleek, business‑inspired wardrobe and aggressive baseline play proved decisive, allowing her to clinch a 6‑3, 3‑6, 7‑5 victory over the 23rd‑seeded Belgian at the iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium. Osaka’s pre‑match look was a striking blend of corporate and athletic elements.
She paired a grey, checked blazer‑hoodie with loose, wide‑leg trousers, turning the traditional tennis warm‑up into a runway‑ready statement. The outfit hinted at a modern, confident mindset—one that would translate into her performance on the court. "Honestly, I can’t believe I won this match," Osaka told the crowd after the final point, expressing genuine surprise and gratitude for the fans’ energy.
"There was a moment when I poured my heart into every rally, and I’m just shocked I came out on top. I won’t lie, it feels surreal." The 28‑year‑old, a two‑time US Open champion, started the match strongly, rattling off four consecutive games to take a 4‑1 lead in the opening set. Her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes forced Mertens onto the defensive, and Osaka sealed the first set with a hard‑fought hold that showcased her trademark power game. The second set saw a shift in momentum.
Osaka continued to attack from the baseline, breaking Mertens in the third game, but she then slipped, losing the next two games and allowing the Belgian to level the match. Mertens capitalised on this swing, holding serve and eventually forcing a deciding set. In the final set, Osaka’s composure was tested.
She made a few unforced errors, reflecting a momentary frustration that even led to a brief medical timeout. After returning, she broke Mertens late in the set, then followed with a thunderous ace that gave her a 6‑5 edge. With her forehand firing, Osaka closed out the match, earning a spot against either second seed Elena Rybakina or Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in the next round.
Reflecting on her performance, Osaka admitted she hadn’t played her best tennis and apologized for her visible frustration, especially for younger viewers watching. "I threw my racket down in the heat of the moment, and I’m sorry for that behavior.
This tournament means a lot to me, and I wanted to give the kids a good example," she said. She added that despite feeling “shaky” at times, she was grateful for the chance to compete again at her favourite Grand Slam. In another compelling match, home‑grown hopeful Iva Jovic faced her close friend and fellow Filipino talent Alexandra Eala.
The two friends set aside their camaraderie for three intense hours on Arthur Ashe Stadium, with Jovic ultimately prevailing 7‑5, 3‑6, 7‑5 to move into the fourth round. Jovic and Eala had previously shared a light‑hearted moment during Fan Week in New York, teaming up with their fathers for an informal doubles exhibition. That camaraderie made the later showdown all the more dramatic, as each player fought not only for personal advancement but also to prove herself against a familiar rival. The opening set was tightly contested, with Jovic edging out a narrow 7‑5 win.
Eala responded in the second set, raising her level and forcing a decider with a 6‑3 comeback. The final set turned into a roller‑coaster of momentum swings.
At one point, Jovic trailed 4‑2, but she rallied, breaking back and eventually clinching the set 7‑5. This victory extended her head‑to‑head dominance over Eala to 3‑0, marking wins on three different surfaces—a testament to her adaptability and mental toughness. "It felt like a marathon," Jovic said after the match, describing the emotional and physical toll. "I lost my sanity several times, but the feeling of winning makes it all worth it.
I’m not usually that expressive, but this match meant a lot to me. Getting another US Open match is everything." Jovic’s triumph sets up an all‑American clash with Coco Gauff, who advanced earlier in the day by defeating Spain’s Cristina Bucsa.
The upcoming encounter promises a high‑energy showdown between two rising stars of the sport. The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app.
Tennis fans can also look forward to the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, which will be shown live on Sky Sports as well. Overall, Osaka’s blend of style and substance, combined with her resilient performance, underscores her status as a formidable competitor on the biggest stages. Meanwhile, Jovic’s gritty victory over a close friend highlights the depth of emerging talent at the tournament, setting the stage for more exciting matchups as the event progresses.