Osaka reaches US Open fourth round, beats Mertens

Naomi Osaka overcame an erratic performance and a late medical timeout to defeat Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 in the third round of the U.S. Open. The 13th-seeded Japanese player committed 41 unforced errors and struggled with frustration after surrendering leads, but recovered from a break down in the deciding set by winning crucial games late. Osaka broke Mertens back at 4-4, held off multiple match points, and sealed the victory with a strong finish before thanking the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd and apologizing for her on-court behavior. The two-time U.S. Open champion advances to the round of 16, where she will face Elena Rybakina or Yuliia Starodubtseva.