NEW YORK – 4-times main champion Naomi Osaka powered into the US Open fourth spherical on Saturday with a 6-0 4-6 6-3 win over fifteenth seed Daria Kasatkina to proceed her finest Grand Slam run since 2021.
Osaka lit up Louis Armstrong Stadium in broad daylight, turning her third-round conflict right into a showcase of energy and composure.
The Japanese participant dominated early, absorbed a quick second-set wobble, and closed out the win to arrange a fourth-round showdown with American third seed Coco Gauff.
“Actually, I used to be making an attempt to inform myself to remain calm. I used to be so shaky right now however I am glad that it was an entertaining match,” Osaka mentioned.
“Each time I come right here it seems like dwelling and also you guys are very concerned and I really feel grateful, thanks.”
Osaka seemed sharp from the beginning, placing strain on Kasatkina with an early break gifted to her by a double fault earlier than racing right into a 3-0 lead.
Kasatkina’s supply abandoned her within the first set with eight double faults and solely 25% of first serves touchdown as Osaka coolly dished out a bagel in 22 minutes.
Kasatkina, nonetheless, pressured a decider after a scrappy second set riddled with breaks. Errors crept in on each sides and Kasatkina steadied herself sufficient to stage the match.
Osaka, nonetheless, regained her composure within the third set.
She saved a break level with two blistering winners and surged right into a 3-1 lead earlier than closing out the match to remain on track for a 3rd US Open title.
The twenty third seed admitted the win had felt extra like a battle than a show of excellent tennis.
“I do not assume I performed that effectively, however I believe mentally I used to be simply making an attempt to struggle for all the pieces,” she advised reporters. “I do know that it was slightly little bit of an emotional curler coaster.”
Reaching the fourth spherical of a serious for the primary time since her 2021 Australian Open title, Osaka mirrored on the persistence it has taken to rebuild.
“After Wimbledon I simply tried not to consider outcomes anymore and focus on every match,” she mentioned.
“I am happy. It isn’t a journey I pictured, however I am glad to be residing it.”
Looking forward to a her conflict with 2023 champion Gauff, Osaka couldn’t assist however bear in mind their first assembly at Flushing Meadows six years in the past.
“I knew she was going to be an excellent participant, which I used to be proper,” she mentioned. “She was 15 on the time and dealt with herself so effectively. To be taking part in her once more now feels actually particular.”
—Reuters
