Naomi Osaka Advances to US Open Fourth Round with Hard-Fought Victory Over Daria Kasatkina

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka progressed to the fourth round of the US Open on Saturday, overcoming the 15th-seeded Daria Kasatkina in a 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 contest. This marks Osaka’s strongest performance at a major tournament since her triumph at the 2021 Australian Open.

Osaka asserted her dominance early, racing to a 3-0 lead in the opening set as Kasatkina struggled with eight double faults and a first-serve percentage of just 25%. The Japanese star wrapped up the first set in a swift 22 minutes.

Kasatkina staged a comeback in the second set, which was marred by multiple breaks of serve and errors on both sides, allowing her to even the match. However, Osaka regained control in the decisive third set, notably saving a crucial break point with two aggressive winners, moving ahead 3-1 and eventually sealing the victory.

Reflecting on the match, Osaka described it as more of a mental challenge than a flawless display of tennis, stating, "I was just trying to fight for everything" amid the emotional ups and downs.

This appearance in the fourth round is Osaka’s best at a Grand Slam event since 2021, a milestone she attributes to a patient and deliberate rebuilding strategy. "After Wimbledon, I just tried not to think about results anymore and focus on each match," she explained.

Osaka will face the reigning US Open champion, Coco Gauff, in the last 16. Their upcoming match holds special significance, recalling their first encounter at Flushing Meadows six years ago when Gauff was just 15 years old. "To be playing her again now feels really special," Osaka remarked.

She also expressed appreciation for the support from the crowd, saying, "Whenever I come here it feels like home."