NEW YORK – Japan’s former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka reached the fourth round of the U.S. Open on Saturday after battling past Elise Mertens of Belgium 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
Osaka, the 13th seed and 2018 and 2020 champion, was a break down in the third set in New York but found a way back to overcome the 23rd-seeded Mertens to make the last 16 for the second straight year.
“Honestly I can’t believe I won this match,” Osaka said. “I felt like I put my entire heart on the court and then I just kept trying every single point…I’m literally shocked I won this match. I’m not even going to lie to you.”
After getting the only break in the fourth game to take the first set, Osaka also broke first in the second, but Mertens broke back to tie 2-2 before getting another break to lead 5-3 en route to winning the set.
Osaka was a break down in the decider before claiming a crucial break to love, sealed by a double fault from Mertens, to tie it at 4-4. The Belgian sent her forehand wide as Osaka broke again to end the contest in 2 hours, 38 minutes.
“It does get tougher because every opponent is harder and harder and I just really want to get further,” said Osaka, who had nine aces to three from Mertens and hit 39 winners to 22, but made 41 unforced errors against 32.
“I think I just have to play it point by point. It’s a learning lesson for me today.”