Wobbly Osaka battles past Mertens, reaches last 16
Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka overcame 41 unforced errors to beat Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
Japan's Naomi Osaka advanced to the US Open fourth round after a grueling match against Belgian Elise Mertens. The 13th seed won 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, despite committing 41 unforced errors and struggling with her backhand. Osaka's performance was characterized by an early exchange of breaks, a double fault that gifted Mertens two break points, and a backhand error that allowed Mertens to take the set.
In the third set, Mertens broke Osaka's serve twice, aided by a series of Osaka's backhand errors. With a 4-3 deficit, Osaka called for a medical timeout to address issues with her calf and ankle. She returned focused, breaking Mertens at love and saving a match point before securing the victory. Osaka expressed shock at her win, praising her efforts throughout the match.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Wobbly Osaka battles past Mertens, reaches last 16 freemalaysiatoday.com
