NEW YORK — Naomi Osaka delivered both style and substance on Louis Armstrong Stadium, walking out in a blazer before grinding out a tense three‑set victory over Elise Mertens to book her place in the fourth round of the 2026 US Open.
👗 Osaka’s Statement Entrance
Osaka’s blazer entrance set the tone for a night where she combined flair with resilience. Despite dropping the second set, she regrouped to close out the match 6‑4, 3‑6, 6‑3.
“I wanted to show confidence, and I’m happy I fought through,” Osaka said post‑match.
🎾 Match Highlights
- First set: Osaka’s aggressive baseline play secured the opener.
- Second set: Mertens fought back, capitalizing on Osaka’s dip in first‑serve percentage.
- Decider: Osaka steadied herself, hitting 28 winners to seal the match.
The win marks Osaka’s deepest run at a Slam since her comeback earlier this season.
⚡ Jovic Ends Eala Mania
Elsewhere, Hamad Medjedovic Jovic produced one of the tournament’s biggest shocks, defeating rising star Alexandra Eala in a five‑set thriller. Eala, who had captured global attention with her fearless play, saw her run halted in heartbreaking fashion.
- Scoreline: 7‑6, 4‑6, 6‑3, 3‑6, 7‑5
- Turning point: Jovic saved two match points in the final set before rallying to victory.
“It was pure survival. Alexandra played incredible tennis, but I just kept believing,” Jovic said.
🌟 Eala’s Impact
Despite the loss, Eala’s run has been hailed as a breakthrough moment for Philippine tennis. Her fearless shot‑making and composure against top opponents have made her one of the standout stories of the US Open.
🏆 What’s Next
- Osaka: Faces a fourth‑round clash against Aryna Sabalenka, a rematch of their 2021 US Open semifinal.
- Jovic: Advances to the round of 16, where he will meet Casper Ruud.
- Eala: Leaves New York with her highest Slam profile yet, cementing her status as a rising star.
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