Naomi Osaka arrived on the court sporting a fresh, fashion‑forward outfit and ultimately delivered a gritty three‑set triumph over Elise Mertens, securing her place in the fourth round of the US Open. The Japanese star combined a sleek, business‑inspired look with an aggressive, all‑court strategy, pulling off a 6‑3, 3‑6, 7‑5 victory against the 23rd‑seeded Belgian on the iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium. For her entrance, Osaka merged the aesthetics of a corporate boardroom with the relaxed vibe of a locker room, opting for a grey checked blazer‑hoodie paired with wide‑leg trousers.
The ensemble gave a tailored twist to the usual pre‑match attire, highlighting her reputation as a trend‑setter both on and off the court. "Honestly, I can’t believe I won this match," Osaka told the crowd, expressing gratitude for their energy.
"There was a moment when I poured my heart into every point. Thank you so much, but I’m genuinely shocked I came out on top. I’m not going to lie." The 28‑year‑old, a two‑time champion at Flushing Meadows, exploded out of the gates, rattling off three consecutive games to race to a 4‑1 lead in the opening set.
She sealed the set with a series of powerful serves that forced Mertens into defensive positions. Osaka’s early dominance set the tone, but the Belgian fought back fiercely in the second set. After a blistering start that saw Osaka break Mertens in the third game, the Belgian responded by taking the next two games, leveling the match at one set all.
The decisive third set turned into a roller‑coaster of momentum. Mertens capitalized on a handful of unforced errors from a frustrated Osaka, gaining a brief advantage. However, Osaka called a medical timeout, regrouped, and emerged with renewed focus.
After breaking late in the set, she unleashed a thunderous ace to go up 6‑5. She then accelerated her forehand, sealing the final game and booking a quarter‑final clash with either second seed Elena Rybakina or Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva.
Reflecting on her performance, Osaka admitted, "I didn’t play amazing and it was getting me down, sorry about my behaviour, for the little kids watching." She also recounted a moment of frustration when she tossed her racket onto the floor. "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 the other half of the draw, home hopeful Iva Jovic faced compatriot Alexandra Eala in a tightly contested encounter that lasted three hours on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The two young Filipinas, who share a close friendship, set aside their camaraderie for a fierce battle, with Jovic eventually prevailing 7‑5, 3‑6, 7‑5 to move into the fourth round. Jovic captured a narrow first set, but Eala rallied in the second, raising her level to force a deciding set.
The final set featured multiple swings in momentum; Jovic trailed 4‑2 before mounting a comeback that saw her close out the match and extend her head‑to‑head advantage over Eala to 3‑0, having beaten her on three different surfaces. "That 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," Jovic 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 victory 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 a high‑octane duel between two of the tournament’s most exciting young talents. The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports App without a contract. Fans can also catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also on Sky Sports.