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Naomi Osaka Vs Elise Mertens, US Open 2026: Japanese Star Osaka Outlasts Belgian Opponent In Thrilling Three-Set Battle

Japanese star Naomi Osaka outlasted No. 23 seed Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 in a gripping, late-night thriller at Louis Armstrong Stadium to reach the US Open fourth round. After splitting the opening two sets, Osaka fell into tactical battles during a tense decider. Adapting her approach by lengthening rallies and mixing her pace, the two-time champion clawed through the pressure. Securing a crucial late break, Osaka closed out the grueling contest after nearly three hours to advance.

Naomi Osaka, of Japan, acknowledges the fans after defeating defeating Elise Mertens, of Belgium, in three sets during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger
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Elise Mertens, right, of Belgium, congratulates Naomi Osaka, of Japan, after Osaka won their match in three sets during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York.
Elise Mertens, right, of Belgium, congratulates Naomi Osaka, of Japan, after Osaka won their match in three sets during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger
Naomi Osaka, of Japan, celebrates after a point in the third set against Elise Mertens, of Belgium, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York.
Naomi Osaka, of Japan, celebrates after a point in the third set against Elise Mertens, of Belgium, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger
Naomi Osaka, of Japan, prepares to serve to Elise Mertens, of Belgium, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York.
Naomi Osaka, of Japan, prepares to serve to Elise Mertens, of Belgium, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger
Elise Mertens, of Belgium, serves to Naomi Osaka, of Japan, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York.
Elise Mertens, of Belgium, serves to Naomi Osaka, of Japan, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger
Elise Mertens, of Belgium, hits a return to Naomi Osaka, of Japan, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York.
Elise Mertens, of Belgium, hits a return to Naomi Osaka, of Japan, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger
Naomi Osaka, of Japan, hits a return to Elise Mertens, of Belgium, during the third set in their match in the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York.
Naomi Osaka, of Japan, hits a return to Elise Mertens, of Belgium, during the third set in their match in the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger
Elise Mertens, of Belgium, celebrates winning the second set against Naomi Osaka, of Japan, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York.
Elise Mertens, of Belgium, celebrates winning the second set against Naomi Osaka, of Japan, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger
Elise Mertens, of Belgium, hits a return to Naomi Osaka, of Japan, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York.
Elise Mertens, of Belgium, hits a return to Naomi Osaka, of Japan, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger
Naomi Osaka, of Japan, tosses the ball to serve to Elise Mertens, of Belgium, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York.
Naomi Osaka, of Japan, tosses the ball to serve to Elise Mertens, of Belgium, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger
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Grand Slam US Open Naomi Osaka Elise Mertens US Open Tennis US Open Tennis Championships US Open 2026