<p>Naomi Osaka continued her strong Wimbledon campaign with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 win over Russian qualifier Anastasia Gasanova on a sunny Wednesday, booking her place in the third round with an impressive display. The four-time Grand Slam champion, seeded 14th, arrived on Court Two in a striking outfit that balanced elegance and style. Unlike the ‘Kill Bill’ kimono she wore in the opening round, Osaka opted for a more understated look featuring a dress with a decorative sash, a flowing train, and a bomber jacket that drew almost as much attention as her performance on court.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Osaka has become known for making bold fashion statements at Grand Slam tournaments this year. She wore a black Kevin Germanier skirt at the French Open before revealing a layered yellow-brown and gold Nike match dress inspired by the illuminated Eiffel Tower at night. Earlier in the season, she also attracted attention at the Australian Open with a jellyfish-inspired outfit during her entrance.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2026-jannik-sinner-overcomes-nuno-borges-aryna-sabalenka-passes-tough-test-to-advance-to-third-round-1782919112789"><strong>Wimbledon 2026: Jannik Sinner overcomes Nuno Borges, Aryna Sabalenka passes tough test to advance to third round</strong></a></p><h2>Fashion experimentation</h2><p>"My inspiration when it comes to fashion? I don't know. I feel like my inspiration can be anything," Osaka said. "I grew up in Florida for the most part when I was in my development years. Then I took a trip to Japan one day. Then obviously you go to Harajuku and you see everyone expressing themselves through clothes," she said, referring to the Tokyo region known for its fashion culture. "It was just so cool and colourful. That stuck out to me a ‌lot. ⁠I kind of used that in my fashion experimentation. I don't really ever have a plan when it comes to clothes. It's okay to try something and fail, but I'd rather just try it and see how it goes."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Once the match started, Osaka's tennis was every bit as commanding as her fashion choices. She comfortably claimed the opening set before raising her intensity in the second, producing a powerful overhead smash to break serve for a 4-2 lead. She maintained complete control from that point, securing her place in the third round at Wimbledon for the fourth time.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Although Osaka has yet to advance beyond the third round at the All England Club, she will have another opportunity when she faces Australia's Daria Kasatkina in the next round. Despite looking ahead to her upcoming match, Osaka revealed that her immediate priority is celebrating a special family occasion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Tomorrow's my daughter's (third) birthday," Osaka said. "I just wanted to be here for longer. I don't ⁠want to make her get on a plane on her birthday. I was really happy about today. "Obviously I have to practice in the morning, but maybe after we'll go around the park and stuff. She loves making friends so yeah, we'll probably do that."</p>

Naomi Osaka advanced to the Wimbledon third round after defeating Anastasia Gasanova 6-3, 6-2. Read about her dominant performance, eye-catching fashion, upcoming clash with Daria Kasatkina, and heartfelt comments about celebrating her daughter's birthday

Naomi Osaka continued her strong Wimbledon campaign with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 win over Russian qualifier Anastasia Gasanova on a sunny Wednesday, booking her place in the third round with an impressive display. The four-time Grand Slam champion, seeded 14th, arrived on Court Two in a striking outfit that balanced elegance and style. Unlike the ‘Kill Bill’ kimono she wore in the opening round, Osaka opted for a more understated look featuring a dress with a decorative sash, a flowing train, and a bomber jacket that drew almost as much attention as her performance on court. Osaka has become known for making bold fashion statements at Grand Slam tournaments this year. She wore a black Kevin Germanier skirt at the French Open before revealing a layered yellow-brown and gold Nike match dress inspired by the illuminated Eiffel Tower at night. Earlier in the season, she also attracted attention at the Australian Open with a jellyfish-inspired outfit during her entrance. Also Read: Wimbledon 2026: Jannik Sinner overcomes Nuno Borges, Aryna Sabalenka passes tough test to advance to third round Fashion experimentation "My inspiration when it comes to fashion? I don't know. I feel like my inspiration can be anything," Osaka said. "I grew up in Florida for the most part when I was in my development years. Then I took a trip to Japan one day. Then obviously you go to Harajuku and you see everyone expressing themselves through clothes," she said, referring to the Tokyo region known for its fashion culture. "It was just so cool and colourful. That stuck out to me a ‌lot. ⁠I kind of used that in my fashion experimentation. I don't really ever have a plan when it comes to clothes. It's okay to try something and fail, but I'd rather just try it and see how it goes." Once the match started, Osaka's tennis was every bit as commanding as her fashion choices. She comfortably claimed the opening set before raising her intensity in the second, producing a powerful overhead smash to break serve for a 4-2 lead. She maintained complete control from that point, securing her place in the third round at Wimbledon for the fourth time. Although Osaka has yet to advance beyond the third round at the All England Club, she will have another opportunity when she faces Australia's Daria Kasatkina in the next round. Despite looking ahead to her upcoming match, Osaka revealed that her immediate priority is celebrating a special family occasion. "Tomorrow's my daughter's (third) birthday," Osaka said. "I just wanted to be here for longer. I don't ⁠want to make her get on a plane on her birthday. I was really happy about today. "Obviously I have to practice in the morning, but maybe after we'll go around the park and stuff. She loves making friends so yeah, we'll probably do that."

<p>Naomi Osaka defeated Anastasia Gasanova 6-3, 6-2 to reach Wimbledon Round 3, combining dominant tennis with standout fashion and family joy</p>

Wimbledon 2026: Naomi Osaka turns heads with bold style, cruises into third round

<p>World no 1 Aryna Sabalenka delivered a dominating performance to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-3 in the French Open fourth round on Monday (June 1) night, securing her place in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros. Sabalenka hit 39 winners and had 12 aces as she extended her phenomenal run to 14 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances. The Belarusian now stands as the only Grand Slam singles champion remaining in either the men’s or women’s draw.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The win marked Sabalenka’s third win over Osaka this season. Sabalenka will next face Russian Diana Shnaider. Osaka’s impressive run in Paris ended in the last 16, marking her best performance at Roland Garros. The Japanese star once again wore the sequined gold dress she compared to the Eiffel Tower at night.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2026-adolfo-daniel-vellejo-fined-65-000-here-s-why-1780335660259"><strong>French Open 2026: Adolfo Daniel Vellejo fined $65,000 - Here’s why</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The match also carried history as it became the first women’s night-session contest at the French Open since 2023, ending a lengthy streak of men’s matches in the primetime slot. "I thought it was really cool. Obviously, she's really good at tennis. I would hope I'm okay for tennis, too," said Osaka. “I think, honestly, it was really fun to play.” Sabalenka, who previously criticised the lack of women’s night matches, welcomed the occasion. "I hope that this is the beginning of today's match. It's like we open up that door for women's night sessions," she said.</p><h2>Matteo Berrettini beats Juan Manuel Cerundolo to advance</h2><p>In the men’s draw, former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini advanced to his first Grand Slam quarter-final since the 2022 US Open with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6) victory over Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Ranked no 105 in the world, Berrettini became the lowest-ranked men’s quarterfinalist at Roland Garros since 2007. He will next face fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi, who staged an incredible comeback to defeat Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (5/7), 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 after a marathon battle lasting five hours and 26 minutes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In other matches, tenth seed Flavio Cobolli, overcame Zachary Svajda 6-2, 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/5) to book his place in the last eight. The 24-year-old will now face fourth-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who beat Alejandro Tabilo 6-3, 7-5, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals.</p>

Aryna Sabalenka defeats Naomi Osaka to reach the French Open quarterfinals as Matteo Berrettini, Matteo Arnaldi, and Felix Auger-Aliassime advance

World no 1 Aryna Sabalenka delivered a dominating performance to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-3 in the French Open fourth round on Monday (June 1) night, securing her place in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros. Sabalenka hit 39 winners and had 12 aces as she extended her phenomenal run to 14 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances. The Belarusian now stands as the only Grand Slam singles champion remaining in either the men’s or women’s draw. The win marked Sabalenka’s third win over Osaka this season. Sabalenka will next face Russian Diana Shnaider. Osaka’s impressive run in Paris ended in the last 16, marking her best performance at Roland Garros. The Japanese star once again wore the sequined gold dress she compared to the Eiffel Tower at night. Also Read: French Open 2026: Adolfo Daniel Vellejo fined $65,000 - Here’s why The match also carried history as it became the first women’s night-session contest at the French Open since 2023, ending a lengthy streak of men’s matches in the primetime slot. "I thought it was really cool. Obviously, she's really good at tennis. I would hope I'm okay for tennis, too," said Osaka. “I think, honestly, it was really fun to play.” Sabalenka, who previously criticised the lack of women’s night matches, welcomed the occasion. "I hope that this is the beginning of today's match. It's like we open up that door for women's night sessions," she said. Matteo Berrettini beats Juan Manuel Cerundolo to advance In the men’s draw, former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini advanced to his first Grand Slam quarter-final since the 2022 US Open with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6) victory over Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Ranked no 105 in the world, Berrettini became the lowest-ranked men’s quarterfinalist at Roland Garros since 2007. He will next face fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi, who staged an incredible comeback to defeat Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (5/7), 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 after a marathon battle lasting five hours and 26 minutes. In other matches, tenth seed Flavio Cobolli, overcame Zachary Svajda 6-2, 6-3, 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/5) to book his place in the last eight. The 24-year-old will now face fourth-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who beat Alejandro Tabilo 6-3, 7-5, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals.

<p>World no 1 Aryna Sabalenka beat Naomi Osaka to reach the French Open quarterfinals, while Matteo Berrettini ended his Grand Slam drought</p>

French Open 2026: Sabalenka ends Osaka challenge to reach quarterfinals; Berrettini advances

<p>Four-time Grand Slam champions Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka will headline a blockbuster French Open fourth-round showdown on Monday (June 1) in the first women's night session match at Roland Garros in three years. World number one Sabalenka continues her pursuit of a maiden French Open title after last year's heartbreaking final defeat to Coco Gauff. Standing in her way is a resurgent Osaka, who has reached the Roland Garros last 16 for the first time in her career and appears increasingly comfortable on clay.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The match marks only the fourth career meeting between the two stars, with all previous encounters coming in the round of 16. Osaka won their first clash on her way to the 2018 US Open crown, while Sabalenka has taken both meetings this season, including victories at Indian Wells and Madrid. The winner will advance to a quarterfinal against either former Australian Open champion Madison Keys or Russia's Diana Shnaider.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"It's great, great to see her back on her level. Maybe not at her best level, but she's back, she's fighting, she's building her level," said Sabalenka of Osaka, who took a break from tennis in 2023 to give birth to her daughter. "It's nice to see her. She's a great player, great person. I feel like I really enjoy our battles. It's high-level matches, and I really enjoy it when somebody pushes me to the limit."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After a difficult return to the tour, Osaka has steadily rebuilt her form. She reached the US Open semi-finals last year, marking her first appearance in the second week of a Grand Slam since winning her second Australian Open title in 2021. "I really wanted to make it a goal to do really well on clay and grass," said Osaka, who has never advanced beyond the third round at Wimbledon. "I don't want this to be my last round. I want to keep going. I just want to keep focusing on every match."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Osaka has attracted attention in Paris with a gold sequined outfit inspired by the Eiffel Tower at night, but hinted she may unveil a different look for the evening showcase. Elsewhere in the women's draw, France's last remaining player, Diane Parry, aims to continue her impressive run against Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska. Austrian 28th seed Anastasia Potapova will attempt to build on her stunning victory over defending champion Coco Gauff when she faces Anna Kalinskaya.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-rule-changes-explained-from-expanded-var-powers-to-10-second-substitutions-1780289815432"><strong>FIFA World Cup 2026 rule changes explained: From expanded VAR powers to 10-second substitutions</strong></a></p><h2>Wide-open men's draw</h2><p>The men's competition has been thrown wide open following the shock exit of Jannik Sinner and an earlier defeat for Ben Shelton. World number six Felix Auger-Aliassime is now the highest-ranked player remaining in the top half and will seek his first French Open quarterfinal appearance against Chile's Alejandro Tabilo, who is contesting the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time. American Zachary Svajda has emerged as one of the tournament's surprise stories.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ranked world number 85, he had won only two Grand Slam matches before arriving in Paris. "When I saw Sinner was out, I tried to stay present and stay positive and just take it day by day, match by match," said Svajda, who faces Flavio Cobolli. "I knew the draw was open, but I just tried to keep doing my routines, keep doing what I've been doing, and just see what happens."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini is targeting his first Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2022 when he takes on Juan Manuel Cerundolo, the player responsible for eliminating Sinner. Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe, a quarter-finalist last year, will face another Italian challenge in Matteo Arnaldi as players continue their quest for a breakthrough major run at Roland Garros.</p>

Aryna Sabalenka faces Naomi Osaka in the first French Open women's night match in three years, while the men's draw opens up after major upsets at Roland Garros

Four-time Grand Slam champions Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka will headline a blockbuster French Open fourth-round showdown on Monday (June 1) in the first women's night session match at Roland Garros in three years. World number one Sabalenka continues her pursuit of a maiden French Open title after last year's heartbreaking final defeat to Coco Gauff. Standing in her way is a resurgent Osaka, who has reached the Roland Garros last 16 for the first time in her career and appears increasingly comfortable on clay. The match marks only the fourth career meeting between the two stars, with all previous encounters coming in the round of 16. Osaka won their first clash on her way to the 2018 US Open crown, while Sabalenka has taken both meetings this season, including victories at Indian Wells and Madrid. The winner will advance to a quarterfinal against either former Australian Open champion Madison Keys or Russia's Diana Shnaider. "It's great, great to see her back on her level. Maybe not at her best level, but she's back, she's fighting, she's building her level," said Sabalenka of Osaka, who took a break from tennis in 2023 to give birth to her daughter. "It's nice to see her. She's a great player, great person. I feel like I really enjoy our battles. It's high-level matches, and I really enjoy it when somebody pushes me to the limit." After a difficult return to the tour, Osaka has steadily rebuilt her form. She reached the US Open semi-finals last year, marking her first appearance in the second week of a Grand Slam since winning her second Australian Open title in 2021. "I really wanted to make it a goal to do really well on clay and grass," said Osaka, who has never advanced beyond the third round at Wimbledon. "I don't want this to be my last round. I want to keep going. I just want to keep focusing on every match." Osaka has attracted attention in Paris with a gold sequined outfit inspired by the Eiffel Tower at night, but hinted she may unveil a different look for the evening showcase. Elsewhere in the women's draw, France's last remaining player, Diane Parry, aims to continue her impressive run against Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska. Austrian 28th seed Anastasia Potapova will attempt to build on her stunning victory over defending champion Coco Gauff when she faces Anna Kalinskaya. Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 rule changes explained: From expanded VAR powers to 10-second substitutions Wide-open men's draw The men's competition has been thrown wide open following the shock exit of Jannik Sinner and an earlier defeat for Ben Shelton. World number six Felix Auger-Aliassime is now the highest-ranked player remaining in the top half and will seek his first French Open quarterfinal appearance against Chile's Alejandro Tabilo, who is contesting the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time. American Zachary Svajda has emerged as one of the tournament's surprise stories. Ranked world number 85, he had won only two Grand Slam matches before arriving in Paris. "When I saw Sinner was out, I tried to stay present and stay positive and just take it day by day, match by match," said Svajda, who faces Flavio Cobolli. "I knew the draw was open, but I just tried to keep doing my routines, keep doing what I've been doing, and just see what happens." Former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini is targeting his first Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2022 when he takes on Juan Manuel Cerundolo, the player responsible for eliminating Sinner. Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe, a quarter-finalist last year, will face another Italian challenge in Matteo Arnaldi as players continue their quest for a breakthrough major run at Roland Garros.

<p>Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka clash in a blockbuster French Open night match as an open men's draw offers fresh quarterfinal opportunities</p>

French Open 2026: World no 1 Sabalenka faces Osaka in historic night clash

Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka not only turns heads for her skills on the court but also for her bold and stylish fashion choices. Take a look at some of her eye-catching outfits, which often make headlines.

<p>Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka not only turns heads for her skills on the court but also for her bold and stylish fashion choices. Take a look at some of her eye-catching outfits, which often make headlines.</p>

Naomi Osaka’s fashion game: Turning the tennis court into a runway with striking looks

<p>Naomi Osaka is making French Open 2026 her runway. For her walk-on before a second-round win at the French Open, the 16th seed wore a metallic gold bomber jacket over a sequined gold playing dress, offset by an ivory train — a look that mixes sportswear with couture. For her first-round match two days earlier, Osaka walked on in a ceremonial black skirt and sleeveless beaded bodice before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2026-watch-osaka-shines-like-eiffel-tower-at-night-during-r1-win-1779854372359">revealing her gold dress</a>, which she said reminded her of the 'Eiffel Tower sparkling at nigh.' The tennis matched the theatre as Osaka beat Donna Vekic 7-6 (1), 6-4 to reach the third round at Roland Garros for the first time since 2019.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2026-started-to-feel-dizzy-sinner-tries-to-explain-shock-loss-at-roland-garros-1780028921004">French Open 2026 | 'Started to feel dizzy': Sinner tries to explain shock loss at Roland Garros</a></p><h2>What does Osaka say about her fashion philosophy on court?</h2><p>Talking about her fashion choices, Osaka said that the outfits are not accidental, but a statement, and she is deliberate about every detail. On the Victorian-era inspiration behind the ivory train for second-round dress, she said: "The inspo was, I don't want to say Victorian, but you know the ladies that have the dresses with the poof in the background? It's so terrible of me to not know the correct term of that." &nbsp;Have a look at the latest walk-out below:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shining bright! 💫<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RolandGarros?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolandGarros</a> <a href="https://t.co/vRNlMIylLi">pic.twitter.com/vRNlMIylLi</a></p>&mdash; Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://x.com/rolandgarros/status/2059932218693169566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>On why she keeps the specifics of her outfit rotation a mystery, the Japanese player said: "I like to keep people on their toes and I think it's really fun. There's a community I feel like that's been built over my on-court outfits. So I just like to just keep you guys guessing."</p><p>The tennis start also spoke about the idea behind choosing to be glam for her appearances during the grand slams and acknowledged: "Athletes are in show business and grand slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel like I'm an entertainer."</p><h2>What next for Osaka at the French Open 2026?</h2><p>Osaka will next face 17th seed Iva Jovic in the third round of women's singles in a match that represents a genuine step up in difficulty. If she can get past Jovic, the projected path grows considerably tougher, with Aryna Sabalenka potentially waiting in the fourth round, followed by Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff deeper in the draw. Reaching the third round itself is already a significant marker as in eight previous French Open appearances, Osaka has only made the third round three times, in 2016, 2018, and 2019.</p>

Osaka dazzles Paris with gold dress and ivory train walk-on, then backs it up with a 7-6, 6-4 win over Vekic. The 16th seed reaches the French Open third round for first time since 2019, next facing 17th seed Iva Jovic.

Naomi Osaka is making French Open 2026 her runway. For her walk-on before a second-round win at the French Open, the 16th seed wore a metallic gold bomber jacket over a sequined gold playing dress, offset by an ivory train — a look that mixes sportswear with couture. For her first-round match two days earlier, Osaka walked on in a ceremonial black skirt and sleeveless beaded bodice before revealing her gold dress, which she said reminded her of the 'Eiffel Tower sparkling at nigh.' The tennis matched the theatre as Osaka beat Donna Vekic 7-6 (1), 6-4 to reach the third round at Roland Garros for the first time since 2019. Also Read - French Open 2026 | 'Started to feel dizzy': Sinner tries to explain shock loss at Roland Garros What does Osaka say about her fashion philosophy on court? Talking about her fashion choices, Osaka said that the outfits are not accidental, but a statement, and she is deliberate about every detail. On the Victorian-era inspiration behind the ivory train for second-round dress, she said: "The inspo was, I don't want to say Victorian, but you know the ladies that have the dresses with the poof in the background? It's so terrible of me to not know the correct term of that." Have a look at the latest walk-out below:

<p>Osaka dazzles Paris with gold dress and ivory train walk-on, then backs it up with a 7-6, 6-4 win over Vekic. The 16th seed reaches the French Open third round for first time since 2019, next facing 17th seed Iva Jovic.</p>

French Open 2026 | Osaka dazzles in 'golden bomber jacket' for Round 2 after shining like 'Eiffel Tower at night'

<p>Naomi Osaka once again ensured that all eyes were on her before a ball was even struck at Roland Garros. Months after making headlines with her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-jellyfish-naomi-osaka-with-a-hat-a-veil-and-an-umbrella-sails-through-australian-open-2026-round-1-1768916354188">jellyfish-inspired look</a> at the Australian Open, the Japanese star arrived for her French Open 2026 first-round match in a black corset-style ensemble and flowing skirt before revealing a shimmering gold playing dress underneath. The eye-catching outfit quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the opening week in Paris. The four-time grand slam champion later compared the sparkling dress to the illuminated 'Eiffel Tower at night', saying the design immediately reminded her of the iconic Paris landmark.</p><h2>'I feel like the Eiffel Tower at night'</h2><p>The gold-and-bronze Nike dress was paired with a custom walk-on creation from Swiss designer Kevin Germanier, who transformed elements of Osaka's previous tennis outfits into a couture-inspired entrance look. The outfit featured a beaded corset and pleated skirt before the Japanese star unveiled her match attire. Watch the fit check blow:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="et" dir="ltr">Osaka fit check ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolandGarros?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolandGarros</a> <a href="https://t.co/NGzRYyn3OU">pic.twitter.com/NGzRYyn3OU</a></p>&mdash; Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/2059257254772162881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2026-title-favourite-sinner-makes-light-work-of-round-1-challenge-1779851366205">French Open 2026 | Title favourite Sinner makes light work of round 1 challenge</a></p><p>"When I first saw the match dress in real life, I felt I looked like the Eiffel Tower at night," Osaka told reporters after her victory. She also revealed she had packed backup outfits in case tournament officials objected to the glittering design.</p><p>"I actually got a little worried because when the sun hits the dress, it reflects a lot, so I was a little scared the umpire was going to kick me off the court. I got two back-up, normal dresses - thankfully I didn't have to wear them."</p><h2>Osaka backs fashion with dominant victory</h2><p>While her outfit grabbed attention off the court, Osaka delivered on it with her racket as well. The 16th seed defeated Germany's Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6(3) to book her place in the second round of the French Open 2026. After cruising through the opening set with aggressive baseline hitting, Osaka showed resilience in the second, recovering from 5-3 down and saving a set point before sealing victory in the tie-break.</p><p>The former world No. 1 will next take on Croatia's Donna Vekic in the second round. Vekic, the Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist, advanced after defeating French wildcard Alice Tubello in straight sets.</p>

Famous for her fashion choices at grand slams, Naomi Osaka chose to glitter like Eiffel Tower at night for her R1 match at French Open 2026 which she won.

Naomi Osaka once again ensured that all eyes were on her before a ball was even struck at Roland Garros. Months after making headlines with her jellyfish-inspired look at the Australian Open, the Japanese star arrived for her French Open 2026 first-round match in a black corset-style ensemble and flowing skirt before revealing a shimmering gold playing dress underneath. The eye-catching outfit quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the opening week in Paris. The four-time grand slam champion later compared the sparkling dress to the illuminated 'Eiffel Tower at night', saying the design immediately reminded her of the iconic Paris landmark. 'I feel like the Eiffel Tower at night' The gold-and-bronze Nike dress was paired with a custom walk-on creation from Swiss designer Kevin Germanier, who transformed elements of Osaka's previous tennis outfits into a couture-inspired entrance look. The outfit featured a beaded corset and pleated skirt before the Japanese star unveiled her match attire. Watch the fit check blow:

<p>Famous for her fashion choices at grand slams, Naomi Osaka chose to glitter like Eiffel Tower at night for her R1 match at French Open 2026 which she won.</p>

French Open 2026 | Osaka shimmers like 'Eiffel Tower at night' during R1 win - WATCH

<p>Naomi Osaka isn't sure about her future as a professional tennis player after an early exit at Miami Open. Her statement came after 7-5, 6-4 loss in the first round of Miami Open against Australia's Talia Gibson. The Japanese player returned to the action in 2024 after giving birth to her daughter Shai. Osaka's return to professional tennis has not been smooth which includes early exits and recurrance of her stomach injury. She admittted to having a dilemma that between speding time with her daughter and being the best professional player she can be. The former world no. 1 has four grand slam titles to her name - Australian Open in 2019 &amp; 2021 and US Open in 2018 &amp; 2020 - all before her maternity break.</p><h2>Is Osaka considering retirement from professional tennis?</h2><p>"I feel like this also is a dilemma for me," Osaka told reporters after the loss. "Obviously, I would love to play, but like I said last year … for me, my daughter is very important, and I want to be a mom. I want to be the best mom I can, but sometimes I feel like I know what I have to do to become a really good player, and it’s very difficult. I’m not going to play Charleston. I hope I can play Madrid, Rome and then obviously the French Open."</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/matt-fitzpatrick-becomes-third-england-player-to-win-valspar-championship-on-us-pga-tour-1774226280975">Matt Fitzpatrick becomes third England player to win Valspar Championship on US PGA Tour</a></p><p>Osaka's best result since making a comeback was last year when she reached the semi-finals of US Open 2025 in women's singles. The former world no. 1 has very high expectations from herself and she is not willing to play without results.</p><p>"For me, like I said last year, I’m not going to stay on tour if I’m losing in the first round," Osaka added. “I’d rather just be a great mom and be there for my daughter. Because for me, I want to win titles and I want to be the best player I can, but if I have to sacrifice having a lot of time with my daughter, I’d rather not do it.”</p>

Osaka's best result since making a comeback in 2024 was last year when she reached the semi-finals of US Open 2025 in women's singles. The former world no. 1 has very high expectations from herself and she is not willing to play without results.

Naomi Osaka isn't sure about her future as a professional tennis player after an early exit at Miami Open. Her statement came after 7-5, 6-4 loss in the first round of Miami Open against Australia's Talia Gibson. The Japanese player returned to the action in 2024 after giving birth to her daughter Shai. Osaka's return to professional tennis has not been smooth which includes early exits and recurrance of her stomach injury. She admittted to having a dilemma that between speding time with her daughter and being the best professional player she can be. The former world no. 1 has four grand slam titles to her name - Australian Open in 2019 & 2021 and US Open in 2018 & 2020 - all before her maternity break. Is Osaka considering retirement from professional tennis? "I feel like this also is a dilemma for me," Osaka told reporters after the loss. "Obviously, I would love to play, but like I said last year … for me, my daughter is very important, and I want to be a mom. I want to be the best mom I can, but sometimes I feel like I know what I have to do to become a really good player, and it’s very difficult. I’m not going to play Charleston. I hope I can play Madrid, Rome and then obviously the French Open." Also Read - Matt Fitzpatrick becomes third England player to win Valspar Championship on US PGA Tour Osaka's best result since making a comeback was last year when she reached the semi-finals of US Open 2025 in women's singles. The former world no. 1 has very high expectations from herself and she is not willing to play without results. "For me, like I said last year, I’m not going to stay on tour if I’m losing in the first round," Osaka added. “I’d rather just be a great mom and be there for my daughter. Because for me, I want to win titles and I want to be the best player I can, but if I have to sacrifice having a lot of time with my daughter, I’d rather not do it.”

<p>Osaka's best result since making a comeback in 2024 was last year when she reached the semi-finals of US Open 2025 in women's singles. The former world no. 1 has very high expectations from herself and she is not willing to play without results.</p>

Naomi Osaka considering retirement? Ex-world no. 1 rather be a 'great mom than losing in first round'

<p>Japan's Naomi Osaka is back with another teal dress at the Australian Open 2026. In the round 2 match on Thursday (Jan 22), Osaka took her fashion down a notch but upped her game a level. During her 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win, at Margaret Court Arena, against Sorana Cirstea, who is playing her last Australian Open, Osaka looked full of confidence despite dropping the second set. The Japanese, however, was so determined that eventually her 'C'mons' got under the skin of Cirstea and two shared a tense moment after the match was over and they fullfilled the handshake formality.</p><h2>Naomi Osaka dress in Australian Open 2026 Round 2</h2><p>Unlike her first round appearance, when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-jellyfish-naomi-osaka-with-a-hat-a-veil-and-an-umbrella-sails-through-australian-open-2026-round-1-1768916354188">Osaka walked out in 'jellyfish mode</a>', the second round dress was toned down by removal of the couture wide-brim hat, veil and parasol. Osaka was though still wearning the same teal coloured dress with matching shade of tendrils flowing flawlessly. Take a look yourself:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Naomi Osaka making a grand entrance again 💅 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/walkon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#walkon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/flybetter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#flybetter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/emirates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@emirates</a> <a href="https://t.co/EE9vnW7qZp">pic.twitter.com/EE9vnW7qZp</a></p>&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/2014257642924093702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>She even inspired fans with her look in the first round that a couple of fans were seen sporting a veil while waching her match. Speaking about the fans going with her fashion choices, she said: "I’m really glad that you love it," making their day fo sure as visible by the smile:</p>

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<p>On the fashion choices, she added: "Just something fun I like to do on the court. I like to express myself through clothes."</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2026-wawrinka-40-wins-five-set-thriller-to-end-48-year-old-drought-1769082460469">AO 2026: Wawrinka, 40, wins five-set thriller to end 48-year-old drought</a></p><h2>Okay, but was the the drama with Cirstea?</h2><p>After the match, Cirstea, after handshake with Osaka, kept looking at her for a moment. The Japanese player then asked the chair umpire, "what was that for?" and then explained it later.</p>

Cirstea, after handshake with Osaka, kept looking at her

<p>“Apparently a lot of ‘C’mons’ that she was angry about," Osaka revealed. "She could have asked me (to stop). Honestly ... no one’s ever complained about it before. Also the umpire didn’t tell me I was wrong — the umpire said I was fine. Like, I thought we moved past it," added an emotional Osaka.</p><p>Cirstea, later on, said that the issue was getting unnecessary attention and added: "There was no drama. It was just a five-second exchange between two players that have been on tour for a long time. It stays between us."</p><p>Well, whatever happened, Osaka now next played Aussie Maddison Inglis in the next round on Saturday (Jan 24) to move forward in the tournament.</p>

Unlike her first round appearance, when Osaka walked out in 'jellyfish mode', the second round dress was toned down by removal of the wide-brim hat, veil and parasol.  The Japanese, however, was so determined that her 'C'mons' got under the skin of Cirstea during 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win.

Japan's Naomi Osaka is back with another teal dress at the Australian Open 2026. In the round 2 match on Thursday (Jan 22), Osaka took her fashion down a notch but upped her game a level. During her 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win, at Margaret Court Arena, against Sorana Cirstea, who is playing her last Australian Open, Osaka looked full of confidence despite dropping the second set. The Japanese, however, was so determined that eventually her 'C'mons' got under the skin of Cirstea and two shared a tense moment after the match was over and they fullfilled the handshake formality. Naomi Osaka dress in Australian Open 2026 Round 2 Unlike her first round appearance, when Osaka walked out in 'jellyfish mode', the second round dress was toned down by removal of the couture wide-brim hat, veil and parasol. Osaka was though still wearning the same teal coloured dress with matching shade of tendrils flowing flawlessly. Take a look yourself:

<p>Unlike her first round appearance, when Osaka walked out in 'jellyfish mode', the second round dress was toned down by removal of the wide-brim hat, veil and parasol. &nbsp;The Japanese, however, was so determined that her 'C'mons' got under the skin of Cirstea during 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win.</p>

AO 2026: Osaka tones down 'jellyfish' look, opponent Cirstea gave her a stare but Japanese player wins in end

<p>American Coco Gauff is cruising along in Australian Open 2026 and leaving fashion choices to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-jellyfish-naomi-osaka-with-a-hat-a-veil-and-an-umbrella-sails-through-australian-open-2026-round-1-1768916354188">Naomi Osaka with her 'Jellyfish look</a>' and customised jewelry to Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff, who started the campaign with a record win, is now in the R3 after beating Olga Danilovic. Gauff won the match 6-2, 6-2 in straight sets at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on Wednesday (Jan 21) - equalling Pam Shriver's record of 76 wins in her first 100 grand slams matches. Gauff still has one more match to complete 100 appearances at grand slams and is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/21-year-old-and-next-to-legends-already-coco-gauff-starts-australian-open-2026-with-historic-win-1768833267101">most likely to go past Shriver</a>.</p><h2>Gauff looks for perfection in straight sets R2 win at Australian Open 2026</h2><p>“I missed the backhand at 40-love to go five-zero but other than that it was perfect,” she said. “In my first match I won like seven drop shot points, which I don’t think I’ve ever done. Today I won all of them that I did. It’s a good shot until I miss it. My coach said don’t drop shot on pressure points. I think almost every time I drop shotted today was on a pressure, and it worked.”</p><p><strong>Also Read </strong>- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-jannik-sinner-says-not-the-way-to-win-a-match-after-walkover-vs-hugo-gaston-1768910797956">Sinner says 'not the way to win a match' after advancing to R2 of Aus Open 2026</a></p><p>Gauff is looking to be aggressive on the tennis court but says ultra-attacking is not her style. “I think continuing to be aggressive the way I thought I had to be – ultra-aggressive, hitting completely flat – I realised that’s probably not the game style for me,” she added.</p><h2>Alcaraz survives rocke serves to enter Australian Open 2026 R3</h2><p>Alcaraz, being the top class player he is, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/alcaraz-survives-208-km-h-serves-by-hanfmann-to-enter-round-3-in-australian-open-2026-watch-1768982815264">survived the first round of onslaught with serves measuring 208 km/h</a>, and then showed his game in the next two sets. He eventually won 7-6(4) 6-3 6-2 in straights sets but it took him 2 hours 44 minutes. The Spaniard, who has won the Wimbledon, French Open, and US Open twice each, is still looking for his maiden Australian Open title. Alcaraz had won Wimbledon in 2023 &amp; 2024, French Open in 2024 &amp; 2025, and US Open in 2022 &amp; 2025.</p>

Gauff, who started the campaign with a record win, is now in the R3 after beating Olga Danilovic. Gauff won the match 6-2, 6-2 in straight sets at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on Wednesday (Jan 21).

American Coco Gauff is cruising along in Australian Open 2026 and leaving fashion choices to Naomi Osaka with her 'Jellyfish look' and customised jewelry to Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff, who started the campaign with a record win, is now in the R3 after beating Olga Danilovic. Gauff won the match 6-2, 6-2 in straight sets at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on Wednesday (Jan 21) - equalling Pam Shriver's record of 76 wins in her first 100 grand slams matches. Gauff still has one more match to complete 100 appearances at grand slams and is most likely to go past Shriver. Gauff looks for perfection in straight sets R2 win at Australian Open 2026 “I missed the backhand at 40-love to go five-zero but other than that it was perfect,” she said. “In my first match I won like seven drop shot points, which I don’t think I’ve ever done. Today I won all of them that I did. It’s a good shot until I miss it. My coach said don’t drop shot on pressure points. I think almost every time I drop shotted today was on a pressure, and it worked.” Also Read - Sinner says 'not the way to win a match' after advancing to R2 of Aus Open 2026 Gauff is looking to be aggressive on the tennis court but says ultra-attacking is not her style. “I think continuing to be aggressive the way I thought I had to be – ultra-aggressive, hitting completely flat – I realised that’s probably not the game style for me,” she added. Alcaraz survives rocke serves to enter Australian Open 2026 R3 Alcaraz, being the top class player he is, survived the first round of onslaught with serves measuring 208 km/h, and then showed his game in the next two sets. He eventually won 7-6(4) 6-3 6-2 in straights sets but it took him 2 hours 44 minutes. The Spaniard, who has won the Wimbledon, French Open, and US Open twice each, is still looking for his maiden Australian Open title. Alcaraz had won Wimbledon in 2023 & 2024, French Open in 2024 & 2025, and US Open in 2022 & 2025.

<p>Gauff, who started the campaign with a record win, is now in the R3 after beating Olga Danilovic. Gauff won the match 6-2, 6-2 in straight sets at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on Wednesday (Jan 21).</p>

Australian Open 2026: Coco Gauff, leaving fashion to Naomi Osaka, enters R3 with 'perfect' win

<p>Naomi Osaka has once again evoked 'oohs and awws' at a grand slam even before playing her first match. At the Australian Open 2026 on Tuesday (Jan 20), Osaka made a grand entry in a 'jellyfish' mode before her round 1 match against Antonia Ruzic which she won 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. This is not the first time Osaka, a former world number one, has attaracted limelight for her fashion sense. At the US Open 2025, she entered for the R1 match with sparkly roses and a Labubu doll for company which became an instant hit as well.</p><h2>Explaining Osaka's Jellyfish dress</h2><p>The Japanese player walked onto court in a turquoise and green zip-up which had organic tendrils on the sides along with a matching racerback. The look, called 'exoskeletal' by Vouge in an interview with Osaka, was paired up with a wide-brimmed hat and veil - almost making her look like an aristocratic Englishwoman from the England of 1800s. And to save her from the unpredictable London rain, the lady had an umbrella as well.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ao-2026-jannik-sinner-says-not-the-way-to-win-a-match-after-walkover-vs-hugo-gaston-1768910797956">Jannik Sinner says 'not the way to win a match' after advancing to R2 of Australian Open 2026</a></p><p>Her hat had a butterfly shape on it and it was in remembrance to the moment in Aus Open 2021 when a butterfly came and sat on her face. Listen to her talk about it:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fashion meets sports meets <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a>, courtesy Naomi 💙 <a href="https://t.co/gxVjLZnUSB">pic.twitter.com/gxVjLZnUSB</a></p>&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/2013590560498418118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What did Osaka say about the look?</h2><p>Explaining in an interview to Vouge, Osaka revealed: "There was an image of a jellyfish, and when I showed it to her she (Shai, two-year-old daughter) got so excited."</p><p>"When I look back at the players who came before me, I think about how those moments -- those looks -- have become memories that live forever. So much of the time, other people get to write our stories for us. This felt like a moment where I could write a little bit of my own," she further explained.</p><p>Osaka is a two-time Australian Open champion, having last won in 2021 after winning the first title in 2019. Apart from that, she also have won US Open twice - in 2018 and 2020). Ranked at number 1 women's player in the past, Osaka is finding her way back to the top again</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The Japanese player walked onto court in a turquoise and green zip-up which had organic tendrils on the sides along with a matching racerback. The look, called 'exoskeletal' by Vouge in an interview with Osaka, was paired up with a wide-brimmed hat with a butterfly shape on it and a veil.

Naomi Osaka has once again evoked 'oohs and awws' at a grand slam even before playing her first match. At the Australian Open 2026 on Tuesday (Jan 20), Osaka made a grand entry in a 'jellyfish' mode before her round 1 match against Antonia Ruzic which she won 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. This is not the first time Osaka, a former world number one, has attaracted limelight for her fashion sense. At the US Open 2025, she entered for the R1 match with sparkly roses and a Labubu doll for company which became an instant hit as well. Explaining Osaka's Jellyfish dress The Japanese player walked onto court in a turquoise and green zip-up which had organic tendrils on the sides along with a matching racerback. The look, called 'exoskeletal' by Vouge in an interview with Osaka, was paired up with a wide-brimmed hat and veil - almost making her look like an aristocratic Englishwoman from the England of 1800s. And to save her from the unpredictable London rain, the lady had an umbrella as well. Also Read - Jannik Sinner says 'not the way to win a match' after advancing to R2 of Australian Open 2026 Her hat had a butterfly shape on it and it was in remembrance to the moment in Aus Open 2021 when a butterfly came and sat on her face. Listen to her talk about it:

<p>The Japanese player walked onto court in a turquoise and green zip-up which had organic tendrils on the sides along with a matching racerback. The look, called 'exoskeletal' by Vouge in an interview with Osaka, was paired up with a wide-brimmed hat with a butterfly shape on it and a veil.</p>

'Jellyfish' Naomi Osaka, with a hat, a veil and an umbrella, sails through Australian Open 2026 round 1

<p>Former US Open women's singles champion Naomi Osaka had a great run at the US Open 2025 until home girl Amanda Anisimova ended it in semis on Thursday (Sep 4). The former champ had started the match well by winning the first set but then lost the next two and found herself out of the tournament. This was the first time Osaka was playing in a grand slam semi-final since 2021 also the year she won last of her four slams in Australia Open.</p><h2><strong>Osaka reacts to semis loss vs Anisimova in US Open</strong></h2><p>Osaka, who had earlier made heads turn with her stylish dress, roses in ponytail and Labubu doll, was looking in fine touch when the match against Anisimova started. The first set, though it went into the tie-breaker, was in favour of Osaka, who won it 7(7)-6(4). The second set also went into the tie-breaker but this time the American won it 7(7)-6(3). In the third and decisive set, Osaka seemed to run out of steam as Anisimova took the game, set and match 6-3.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-final-aryna-sabalenka-vs-amanda-anisimova-head-to-head-record-and-last-five-matches-1757064113608">US Open 2025: Sabalenka vs Anisimova head-to-head record, last five matches</a></p><p>After the loss, Osaka said told reporters: "I don't feel sad, it's really weird. Well, it's not weird because I just feel that I did the best that I could. And, honestly it's kind of inspiring for me because it makes me just want to train and try to get better and hopefully just give it my best shot again and see what happens. I think I can't be mad or upset at myself."</p><h2><strong>Anisimova gets a chance at Wimbledon loss redemption</strong></h2><p>Amanda Anisimova is in her first US Open final, shortly after making it to the maiden Wimbledon final nearly two months back. The American had beaten Sabalenka in the Wimbledon semis to enter the final but lost to eventual winner Iga Swiatek. In US Open, she beat Swiatek in the quarter-final to book a place in semis and now would be hoping to win her maiden grand slam title on Saturday (Sep 7).</p>

Osaka, who had earlier made heads turn with her stylish dress, roses in ponytail and Labubu doll, was looking in fine touch when the match against Anisimova started. She, however, lost the second and third set after winning the first one and her US Open 2025 campaign came to an end.

Former US Open women's singles champion Naomi Osaka had a great run at the US Open 2025 until home girl Amanda Anisimova ended it in semis on Thursday (Sep 4). The former champ had started the match well by winning the first set but then lost the next two and found herself out of the tournament. This was the first time Osaka was playing in a grand slam semi-final since 2021 also the year she won last of her four slams in Australia Open. Osaka reacts to semis loss vs Anisimova in US Open Osaka, who had earlier made heads turn with her stylish dress, roses in ponytail and Labubu doll, was looking in fine touch when the match against Anisimova started. The first set, though it went into the tie-breaker, was in favour of Osaka, who won it 7(7)-6(4). The second set also went into the tie-breaker but this time the American won it 7(7)-6(3). In the third and decisive set, Osaka seemed to run out of steam as Anisimova took the game, set and match 6-3. Also Read - US Open 2025: Sabalenka vs Anisimova head-to-head record, last five matches After the loss, Osaka said told reporters: "I don't feel sad, it's really weird. Well, it's not weird because I just feel that I did the best that I could. And, honestly it's kind of inspiring for me because it makes me just want to train and try to get better and hopefully just give it my best shot again and see what happens. I think I can't be mad or upset at myself." Anisimova gets a chance at Wimbledon loss redemption Amanda Anisimova is in her first US Open final, shortly after making it to the maiden Wimbledon final nearly two months back. The American had beaten Sabalenka in the Wimbledon semis to enter the final but lost to eventual winner Iga Swiatek. In US Open, she beat Swiatek in the quarter-final to book a place in semis and now would be hoping to win her maiden grand slam title on Saturday (Sep 7).

<p>Osaka, who had earlier made heads turn with her stylish dress, roses in ponytail and Labubu doll, was looking in fine touch when the match against Anisimova started. She, however, lost the second and third set after winning the first one and her US Open 2025 campaign came to an end.</p>

Osaka says she 'doesn't feel sad and it's weird' after US Open semis loss vs Anisimova

<p>Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula to enter US Open 2025 women's singles final. Sabalenka, who had won US Open 2024 by beating Pegula in the final, won the semi-final 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. She will now face Amanda Anisimova who beat Naomi Osaka 6(4)-7(7), (7)-6(3), 6-3 to book a place in her maiden US Open final. Sabalenka is one of the favorites to win the title after she lost in the Wimbledon 2025 semis to Anisimova. She had also reached French Open 2025 final but lost to Coco Gauff and had lost the Australia Open 2025 final to Madison Keys.</p><p><strong>Also Read </strong>- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-becoming-guide-to-golfers-on-crowd-handling-and-rory-mcilroy-wants-european-ryder-cup-team-to-learn-1756983696374">McIlroy wants European Ryder Cup team to learn crowd handling from Djokovic</a></p><h2>Anisimova continues dream run</h2><p>America Amanda Anisimova, who had once taken a break from tennis due to mental health, has been on a dream run ever since making a comeback to professional tennis in 2024. While the last year wasn't very fruitful, the American has delivered some great performances since Wimbledon 2025. Anisimova had beaten Sabalenka in the Championship 2025 semis to reach her maiden final but lost 6-0, 6-0 to Iga Swiatek. At US Open 2025, Anisimova avenged her loss by beating Swiatek in the semis and would be hoping to do the same against Sabalenka in the final at the year's last major.</p><h2><strong>Sabalenka aims to break slam final curse</strong></h2><p>The Belarusian, who has reached three out of four grand slam finals this year, will be looking to break the losing streak in the title clash. A win at the Flushing Meadows will make Sabalenka first women's player to defend the US Open title since Serena Williams won it three times consecutively from 2012 to 2014. Sabalenka has won three grand slams in her career and last of it came in US Open 2024. Since then, the 27-year-old has made it to four of the last five grand slams played.</p>

US Open 2025: Aryna Sabaleka beat Jessica Pegula in first women's singles semis to enter the second consecutive final at Flushing Meadows. She will face Amanda Anisimova in the final who beat Naomi Osaka in the second women's singles semi-final.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula to enter US Open 2025 women's singles final. Sabalenka, who had won US Open 2024 by beating Pegula in the final, won the semi-final 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. She will now face Amanda Anisimova who beat Naomi Osaka 6(4)-7(7), (7)-6(3), 6-3 to book a place in her maiden US Open final. Sabalenka is one of the favorites to win the title after she lost in the Wimbledon 2025 semis to Anisimova. She had also reached French Open 2025 final but lost to Coco Gauff and had lost the Australia Open 2025 final to Madison Keys. Also Read - McIlroy wants European Ryder Cup team to learn crowd handling from Djokovic Anisimova continues dream run America Amanda Anisimova, who had once taken a break from tennis due to mental health, has been on a dream run ever since making a comeback to professional tennis in 2024. While the last year wasn't very fruitful, the American has delivered some great performances since Wimbledon 2025. Anisimova had beaten Sabalenka in the Championship 2025 semis to reach her maiden final but lost 6-0, 6-0 to Iga Swiatek. At US Open 2025, Anisimova avenged her loss by beating Swiatek in the semis and would be hoping to do the same against Sabalenka in the final at the year's last major. Sabalenka aims to break slam final curse The Belarusian, who has reached three out of four grand slam finals this year, will be looking to break the losing streak in the title clash. A win at the Flushing Meadows will make Sabalenka first women's player to defend the US Open title since Serena Williams won it three times consecutively from 2012 to 2014. Sabalenka has won three grand slams in her career and last of it came in US Open 2024. Since then, the 27-year-old has made it to four of the last five grand slams played.

<p>US Open 2025: Aryna Sabaleka beat Jessica Pegula in first women's singles semis to enter the second consecutive final at Flushing Meadows. She will face Amanda Anisimova in the final who beat Naomi Osaka in the second women's singles semi-final.</p>

US Open 2025: Anisimova beats Osaka, sets up title clash with Sabalenka

<p>Wimbledon 2025 champions Iga Swiatek was subjected to a sweet revenge when Amanda Anisimova, her opponent in Wimbledon final 2025, beat the Polish player for a place in US Open 2025 women's single semis on Wednesday (Sep 3). &nbsp;Anisimova beat Swiatek 6-4, 6-3 and finally found a closure in her 6-0, 6-0 loss loss at the Championship final not so long ago. Swiatek, while talking to reporters after loss, did acknowledge her opponent's skills but almost lashed out at one of the press member over a mental-health break question. &nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Swiatek vs Reporter on mental health break</strong></h2><p>The Polish player was visibly not okay with the suggestion of a mental health break after the loss and here's how her conversation went through with the reporter:</p><p><strong>Reporter:</strong> How tired are you at the moment?</p><p><strong>Swiatek:</strong> Well, I don’t know. It’s not like my matches were exhausting here.</p><p><strong>Also Read </strong>- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sinner-vs-musetti-us-open-2025-defending-champion-sets-up-felix-auger-aliassime-semi-final-1756959114696">Sinner vs Musetti US Open 2025: Defending champion sets up Felix Auger-Aliassime semi-final</a></p><p><strong>Reporter:</strong> Do you feel like a mental break? I'm not talking about the loss as such.</p><p><strong>Swiatek:</strong> Why would you say that?</p><p><strong>Reporter:</strong> Just wondered. It's just a lot in a row. Do you look forward to a break?</p><p><strong>Swiatek:</strong> You look like you need a mental break.</p><p><strong>Reporter:</strong> I do, yeah.</p><p><strong>Swiatek:</strong> Well, then what are you doing here?</p><p>The conversation ended with the reporter saying he'd have to be here in New York till the end of the tournament.</p>

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<h2><strong>Swiatek acknowledges Anisimova for win</strong></h2><p>The Polish player was also about how she felt losing to a player whom she had beaten 6-0, 6-0 merely two months ago, to which she replied: “Well, it didn’t really matter for me. I think everybody knows how Amanda can play. Yeah, she didn’t play well in Wimbledon, but it’s not like she’s always going to make the same mistakes or feel the same. No, I know that she’s a good player."</p><p>Anisimova now faces Japanese Naomi Osaka in women's singles semis to try and find a place in her second consecutive grand slam final.</p>

Amanda Anisimova took her Wimbledon 2025 final loss revenge as she beat Iga Swiatek for a place in US Open 2025 women's singles semis. After the loss, Iga was asked about if she felt a need for mental health break to which the Polish player snapped.

Wimbledon 2025 champions Iga Swiatek was subjected to a sweet revenge when Amanda Anisimova, her opponent in Wimbledon final 2025, beat the Polish player for a place in US Open 2025 women's single semis on Wednesday (Sep 3). Anisimova beat Swiatek 6-4, 6-3 and finally found a closure in her 6-0, 6-0 loss loss at the Championship final not so long ago. Swiatek, while talking to reporters after loss, did acknowledge her opponent's skills but almost lashed out at one of the press member over a mental-health break question. Swiatek vs Reporter on mental health break The Polish player was visibly not okay with the suggestion of a mental health break after the loss and here's how her conversation went through with the reporter: Reporter: How tired are you at the moment? Swiatek: Well, I don’t know. It’s not like my matches were exhausting here. Also Read - Sinner vs Musetti US Open 2025: Defending champion sets up Felix Auger-Aliassime semi-final Reporter: Do you feel like a mental break? I'm not talking about the loss as such. Swiatek: Why would you say that? Reporter: Just wondered. It's just a lot in a row. Do you look forward to a break? Swiatek: You look like you need a mental break. Reporter: I do, yeah. Swiatek: Well, then what are you doing here? The conversation ended with the reporter saying he'd have to be here in New York till the end of the tournament.

<p>Amanda Anisimova took her Wimbledon 2025 final loss revenge as she beat Iga Swiatek for a place in US Open 2025 women's singles semis. After the loss, Iga was asked about if she felt a need for mental health break to which the Polish player snapped.</p>

Swiatek snaps on 'mental health break' suggestion after Anisimova gets Wimbledon final revenge - WATCH

<p>Reigning US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka takes on home hope Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals Thursday, with Naomi Osaka meeting Amanda Anisimova in an intriguing last-four encounter. Sabalenka beat Pegula in the 2024 final in New York but the undisputed women's number one is yet to add to her Grand Slam collection this year, losing in two finals.</p><p><strong>Also Read </strong>- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chris-froome-injury-news-four-time-tour-de-france-winner-suffered-tear-near-heart-in-crash-reveals-wife-1756896436216">Chris Froome Injury: Cyclist suffered 'tear near heart' in crash, reveals wife</a></p><p>Osaka is playing her best tennis since returning to the tour last year after giving birth to her daughter, while Anisimova is being rewarded for a fearless approach that saw her avenge a humiliating Wimbledon final defeat by Iga Swiatek.</p><p>AFP Sport takes a look at the day's two semi-finals (x denotes seeding):</p><h2><strong>Aryna Sabalenka v Jessica Pegula</strong></h2><p>Sabalenka should have the benefit of being well rested after three days off following a quarter-final walkover as a result of Marketa Vondrousova's withdrawal.</p><p>The Belarusian hasn't dropped a set en route to her fifth straight US Open semi-final and is relishing the pressure that comes with being the top seed.</p><p>"I'm enjoying being world number one. I'm enjoying this pressure. I'm working really hard to be where I am," said Sabalenka.</p><p>"For me, it's a fun life if you're really enjoying your job."</p><p>Sabalenka has won seven of nine meetings with Pegula, including both at Grand Slams.</p><p>She beat the American 7-5, 7-5 in last year's US Open final to capture the most recent of her three majors.</p><p>"It would be cool to be able to get revenge, obviously," said Pegula, set to face her first seeded Grand Slam opponent in 2025.</p><p>"I didn't even remember it being that close, which was kind of funny, because I think after the final I was just so, like, wow, we should be in a third set right now."</p><p>"I was very, like -- there's so many things... I could have done better."</p><h2><strong>Amanda Anisimova v Naomi Osaka</strong></h2><p>It has been a long, winding road back towards the top for both Anisimova and Osaka.</p><p>A French Open semi-finalist at 17, Anisimova took an eight-month break from tennis in 2023 after suffering with depression brought on by the scrutiny and expectations that came with being a teen prodigy.</p><p>She dropped outside the top 400 last year but broke into the top 10 for the first time after her run to the Wimbledon final two months ago.</p><p>There was little cause for celebration though after a 6-0, 6-0 pasting by Swiatek. However, she avenged that loss on Wednesday by ousting the second-seeded Pole -- and now has a resurgent Osaka in her sights.</p><p>"I feel like she's really found her groove. She's put in a lot of work this past year. I've observed it, and I've seen it," Anisimova said of Osaka.</p><p>"I feel like she's really found her momentum here."</p><p>Osaka is enjoying her best run at a major since winning her second Australian Open title in 2021 -- the last of her four major crowns.</p><p>Her record at the business end of Grand Slams is not up for debate. She has claimed the trophy each time she has made it to the quarter-final stage, triumphing twice at Flushing Meadows.</p><p>That will be put to the test by Anisimova, "one of the most talented players on tour," in the eyes of Osaka.</p><p>"I think no one wants to see her name next to theirs."</p>

US Open: Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka faces Jessic Pegula while Japanese Naomi Osaka takes on home girl Amanda Anisiomova in women's singles semis at the year's last major in New York.

Reigning US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka takes on home hope Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals Thursday, with Naomi Osaka meeting Amanda Anisimova in an intriguing last-four encounter. Sabalenka beat Pegula in the 2024 final in New York but the undisputed women's number one is yet to add to her Grand Slam collection this year, losing in two finals. Also Read - Chris Froome Injury: Cyclist suffered 'tear near heart' in crash, reveals wife Osaka is playing her best tennis since returning to the tour last year after giving birth to her daughter, while Anisimova is being rewarded for a fearless approach that saw her avenge a humiliating Wimbledon final defeat by Iga Swiatek. AFP Sport takes a look at the day's two semi-finals (x denotes seeding): Aryna Sabalenka v Jessica Pegula Sabalenka should have the benefit of being well rested after three days off following a quarter-final walkover as a result of Marketa Vondrousova's withdrawal. The Belarusian hasn't dropped a set en route to her fifth straight US Open semi-final and is relishing the pressure that comes with being the top seed. "I'm enjoying being world number one. I'm enjoying this pressure. I'm working really hard to be where I am," said Sabalenka. "For me, it's a fun life if you're really enjoying your job." Sabalenka has won seven of nine meetings with Pegula, including both at Grand Slams. She beat the American 7-5, 7-5 in last year's US Open final to capture the most recent of her three majors. "It would be cool to be able to get revenge, obviously," said Pegula, set to face her first seeded Grand Slam opponent in 2025. "I didn't even remember it being that close, which was kind of funny, because I think after the final I was just so, like, wow, we should be in a third set right now." "I was very, like -- there's so many things... I could have done better." Amanda Anisimova v Naomi Osaka It has been a long, winding road back towards the top for both Anisimova and Osaka. A French Open semi-finalist at 17, Anisimova took an eight-month break from tennis in 2023 after suffering with depression brought on by the scrutiny and expectations that came with being a teen prodigy. She dropped outside the top 400 last year but broke into the top 10 for the first time after her run to the Wimbledon final two months ago. There was little cause for celebration though after a 6-0, 6-0 pasting by Swiatek. However, she avenged that loss on Wednesday by ousting the second-seeded Pole -- and now has a resurgent Osaka in her sights. "I feel like she's really found her groove. She's put in a lot of work this past year. I've observed it, and I've seen it," Anisimova said of Osaka. "I feel like she's really found her momentum here." Osaka is enjoying her best run at a major since winning her second Australian Open title in 2021 -- the last of her four major crowns. Her record at the business end of Grand Slams is not up for debate. She has claimed the trophy each time she has made it to the quarter-final stage, triumphing twice at Flushing Meadows. That will be put to the test by Anisimova, "one of the most talented players on tour," in the eyes of Osaka. "I think no one wants to see her name next to theirs."

<p>US Open: Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka faces Jessic Pegula while Japanese Naomi Osaka takes on home girl Amanda Anisiomova in women's singles semis at the year's last major in New York.</p>

US Open 2025: Sabalenka gets Pegula and Anisimova faces Osaka in women's singles semis

<p>Naomi Osaka delivered a statement win at the US Open by thrashing home favourite Coco Gauff in the last 16 on Monday as Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek charged into the quarter-finals. The Japanese star powered past third seed Gauff 6-3, 6-2 in a highly-anticipated but lopsided fourth-round showdown of former US Open champions on the Labor Day holiday in New York. Osaka broke in the very first game in front of an expectant Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd and was untouchable on serve in a ruthless display against a misfiring Gauff, who hit 33 unforced errors.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-oldest-djokovic-emulates-jimmy-connors-goes-past-federer-and-agassi-in-historic-us-open-2025-r16-win-1756704948883">'Oldest' Djokovic emulates Jimmy Connors, goes past Federer and Agassi in historic US Open R16 win</a></p><p>"This is my favourite court in the world and it means so much to me to be back today," said Osaka, who looks primed for a tilt at a fifth Grand Slam.</p><p>"This is kind of uncharted territory at this point of my career," added Osaka. "I'm just enjoying it. I'm having fun."</p><p>The 27-year-old, a two-time US Open champion, is enjoying her deepest run at a major since winning her second Australian Open title in 2021.</p><p>It has been a painstaking climb back towards the top of the game for Osaka, who returned to tennis last year following the birth of her daughter in 2023.</p><p>"I was in the stands two months after I gave birth watching Coco and I just really wanted an opportunity to come out here and play," said Osaka, who also beat a 15-year-old Gauff at the US Open in their first meeting in 2019.</p><p>Gauff conceded the mental toll of a challenging first week and the efforts to remodel her faltering serve had weighed heavily on her.</p><p>"I think emotionally how much this week was, I think today I just stepped in, and I maybe was a little bit empty," she said.</p><p>Osaka plays Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova in Wednesday's quarter-finals. Muchova beat Ukrainian 27th seed Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-7 (0/7), 6-3 and is seeking a third straight semi-final at Flushing Meadows.</p><p>Reigning men's champion Sinner obliterated the unpredictable Alexander Bublik 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 in just 81 minutes to start the night session.</p><p>Bublik, the only player to beat Sinner this season aside from Carlos Alcaraz, had not dropped serve all tournament but was broken eight times by the world number one.</p><p>"He had a very tough match the last match, today he didn't serve as well as he usually serves, and I broke him early," said Sinner. "Overall, I'm very happy."</p><p>Bublik smiled as he embraced Sinner at the net after the defeat, and could be heard telling the Italian: "You're so good, this is insane."</p><p>Sinner is trying to become the first man to defend the US Open since Roger Federer won the last of his five successive titles in 2008.</p><p>He advances to an all-Italian match-up with 10th seed Lorenzo Musetti, who demolished unseeded Spaniard Jaume Munar 6-3, 6-0, 6-1 to reach his first US Open quarter-final.</p><h2><strong>Swiatek ‘in the zone’</strong></h2><p>Swiatek brushed off Russian 13th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-1 in barely an hour to extend her Grand Slam winning streak to 11 matches as she targets a second US Open crown.</p><p>"I felt like in the beginning she played fast but later on I felt in my bubble, in the zone," said Swiatek.</p><p>The Polish second seed faces Amanda Anisimova in a repeat of the Wimbledon final, which Swiatek won 6-0, 6-0. The American thumped Brazilian 18th seed Beatriz Haddad 6-0, 6-3.</p><p>Men's eighth seed Alex de Minaur sealed his passage to the quarter-finals with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 win over Swiss qualifier Leandro Riedi.</p><p>De Minaur put the world number 435 to the sword with eight breaks as he swept into a sixth Grand Slam quarter-final. He has never made it past the last eight though.</p><p>The Australian next meets Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime, who defeated Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final in three years.</p><p>Auger-Aliassime's best run at a Grand Slam came when he advanced to the semi-finals of the US Open in 2021.</p><p>"It feels even better than the first time," Auger-Aliassime, 25, said of returning to the last eight in New York.</p><p>"I think the first time at 21 I was kind of on my way up. To have a few setbacks, injuries, struggles with confidence... to come back for a second time to the quarter-finals here, it feels much better."</p>

US Open 2025: Japanese Naomi Osaka beat home-favorite Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 in an anti-climatic R16 match at Arthur Ashe stadium in New York on Labour Day. This is Osaka's best performance in a major since winning 2021 Australian Open.

Naomi Osaka delivered a statement win at the US Open by thrashing home favourite Coco Gauff in the last 16 on Monday as Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek charged into the quarter-finals. The Japanese star powered past third seed Gauff 6-3, 6-2 in a highly-anticipated but lopsided fourth-round showdown of former US Open champions on the Labor Day holiday in New York. Osaka broke in the very first game in front of an expectant Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd and was untouchable on serve in a ruthless display against a misfiring Gauff, who hit 33 unforced errors. Also Read - 'Oldest' Djokovic emulates Jimmy Connors, goes past Federer and Agassi in historic US Open R16 win "This is my favourite court in the world and it means so much to me to be back today," said Osaka, who looks primed for a tilt at a fifth Grand Slam. "This is kind of uncharted territory at this point of my career," added Osaka. "I'm just enjoying it. I'm having fun." The 27-year-old, a two-time US Open champion, is enjoying her deepest run at a major since winning her second Australian Open title in 2021. It has been a painstaking climb back towards the top of the game for Osaka, who returned to tennis last year following the birth of her daughter in 2023. "I was in the stands two months after I gave birth watching Coco and I just really wanted an opportunity to come out here and play," said Osaka, who also beat a 15-year-old Gauff at the US Open in their first meeting in 2019. Gauff conceded the mental toll of a challenging first week and the efforts to remodel her faltering serve had weighed heavily on her. "I think emotionally how much this week was, I think today I just stepped in, and I maybe was a little bit empty," she said. Osaka plays Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova in Wednesday's quarter-finals. Muchova beat Ukrainian 27th seed Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-7 (0/7), 6-3 and is seeking a third straight semi-final at Flushing Meadows. Reigning men's champion Sinner obliterated the unpredictable Alexander Bublik 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 in just 81 minutes to start the night session. Bublik, the only player to beat Sinner this season aside from Carlos Alcaraz, had not dropped serve all tournament but was broken eight times by the world number one. "He had a very tough match the last match, today he didn't serve as well as he usually serves, and I broke him early," said Sinner. "Overall, I'm very happy." Bublik smiled as he embraced Sinner at the net after the defeat, and could be heard telling the Italian: "You're so good, this is insane." Sinner is trying to become the first man to defend the US Open since Roger Federer won the last of his five successive titles in 2008. He advances to an all-Italian match-up with 10th seed Lorenzo Musetti, who demolished unseeded Spaniard Jaume Munar 6-3, 6-0, 6-1 to reach his first US Open quarter-final. Swiatek ‘in the zone’ Swiatek brushed off Russian 13th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-1 in barely an hour to extend her Grand Slam winning streak to 11 matches as she targets a second US Open crown. "I felt like in the beginning she played fast but later on I felt in my bubble, in the zone," said Swiatek. The Polish second seed faces Amanda Anisimova in a repeat of the Wimbledon final, which Swiatek won 6-0, 6-0. The American thumped Brazilian 18th seed Beatriz Haddad 6-0, 6-3. Men's eighth seed Alex de Minaur sealed his passage to the quarter-finals with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 win over Swiss qualifier Leandro Riedi. De Minaur put the world number 435 to the sword with eight breaks as he swept into a sixth Grand Slam quarter-final. He has never made it past the last eight though. The Australian next meets Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime, who defeated Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final in three years. Auger-Aliassime's best run at a Grand Slam came when he advanced to the semi-finals of the US Open in 2021. "It feels even better than the first time," Auger-Aliassime, 25, said of returning to the last eight in New York. "I think the first time at 21 I was kind of on my way up. To have a few setbacks, injuries, struggles with confidence... to come back for a second time to the quarter-finals here, it feels much better."

<p>US Open 2025: Japanese Naomi Osaka beat home-favorite Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 in an anti-climatic R16 match at Arthur Ashe stadium in New York on Labour Day. This is Osaka's best performance in a major since winning 2021 Australian Open.</p>

US Open 2025: Osaka, Sinner, Swiatek roll into quarter-finals

<p>The row between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/racism-at-us-open-2025-taylor-townsend-jelena-ostapenko-get-into-heated-argument-1756383900449">American Taylor Townsend and Latvian Jelena Ostapenko</a> over a net cord point and sorry has been the talk of US Open 2025 for the last couple of days. Japanese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/naomi-osaka">Naomi Osaka</a> has now joined the debate on whether Ostapenko calling out Townsend was justified or not. Both the players involved, however, have spoken on the matter as well and have denied any racial undertone to the matter. The question of racism arose with Townsend being of African-American heritage and Ostapenko calling her 'uneducated.'</p><h2><strong>Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko Row - What did Naomi Osaka say</strong></h2><p>Osaka acknowledged that it was the 'worst thing' to say whatever Ostapenko said and that too to a Black player. She, however, showed confidence in Ostapenko of not repeating her mistake ever again while agreeing that this is 'not the craziest thing she has said' given her history.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/medvedev-fined-42500-for-unsportsmanlike-conduct-at-us-open-2025-what-really-happened-1756389489372">Medvedev fined $42,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct at US Open 2025 - What really happened?</a></p><p>“I mean, it’s really difficult to say. I think obviously it’s one of the worst things you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority White sport," Osaka said while talking to reporters after her 6-3, 6-1 second round win over Hailey Baptiste.</p><p>Speaking on whether Townsend should have said sorry for the net cord or not, Osaka opined: "I think it’s up to the person whether they apologize or not, but if it’s really close, then I can see why they don’t apologize."</p><h2>What happened between Townsend and Ostapenko</h2><p>The drama erupted after the match when the players shook hands after Townsend won. Ostapenko called her a person with 'not education and no class' for refusing to say sorry over the net cord point. Asked about the matter, Townsend said 'she was happy on she handled the matter,' but denied taking it in racial abuse manner.</p><p>Ostapenko, in an Instagram post of her own, also denied being racist in her comments.</p>

While both Ostapenko and Townsend declined their US Open 2025 fight having any racial undertone, Naomi Osaka called Ostapenko's comments as ‘one of the worst things to say to a Black player.’

The row between American Taylor Townsend and Latvian Jelena Ostapenko over a net cord point and sorry has been the talk of US Open 2025 for the last couple of days. Japanese Naomi Osaka has now joined the debate on whether Ostapenko calling out Townsend was justified or not. Both the players involved, however, have spoken on the matter as well and have denied any racial undertone to the matter. The question of racism arose with Townsend being of African-American heritage and Ostapenko calling her 'uneducated.' Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko Row - What did Naomi Osaka say Osaka acknowledged that it was the 'worst thing' to say whatever Ostapenko said and that too to a Black player. She, however, showed confidence in Ostapenko of not repeating her mistake ever again while agreeing that this is 'not the craziest thing she has said' given her history. Also Read - Medvedev fined $42,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct at US Open 2025 - What really happened? “I mean, it’s really difficult to say. I think obviously it’s one of the worst things you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority White sport," Osaka said while talking to reporters after her 6-3, 6-1 second round win over Hailey Baptiste. Speaking on whether Townsend should have said sorry for the net cord or not, Osaka opined: "I think it’s up to the person whether they apologize or not, but if it’s really close, then I can see why they don’t apologize." What happened between Townsend and Ostapenko The drama erupted after the match when the players shook hands after Townsend won. Ostapenko called her a person with 'not education and no class' for refusing to say sorry over the net cord point. Asked about the matter, Townsend said 'she was happy on she handled the matter,' but denied taking it in racial abuse manner. Ostapenko, in an Instagram post of her own, also denied being racist in her comments.

<p>While both Ostapenko and Townsend declined their US Open 2025 fight having any racial undertone, Naomi Osaka called Ostapenko's comments as ‘one of the worst things to say to a Black player.’</p>

Osaka calls Ostapenko comments on Townsend at US Open 'worst thing to say to a Black player'

<p>Naomi Osaka won her first round women's singles match in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/us-open">US Open</a> 2025 in straight sets against Greet Minnen but it was her outfit and Labubu doll which created more buzz. The former world number 1 and two-time US Open winner (2018 and 2020) is currently seeded no. 23 and is vying hard to regain her lost position in women's tennis. It was a perfect start for her at the Flushing Meadows which she matched with her sparkly roses in her hair.</p><h2><strong>Naomi Osaka US Open 2025 outfit</strong></h2><p>The Japanese player, after the win, spoke at length about her appearance in Nike outfit - something which was in works for a long time. The outfit included a red outfit with sparkles, red roses with more sparkles in her ponytail and a sparkly Labubu doll to go with which she named "Billie Jean Bling" after famous American women's tennis player Billie Jean King. Have a look at the outfit below:</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/naomi-osaka">Osaka</a> also revealed that it was her night outfit as the match was in the nigh and hoped she'll "wear my day outfit next time." Speaking on the inspiration behind all this jazz, Osaka said: "I just thought it would be really fun to do a New York under the lights. I'm glad that my first match was a night match, because this outfit was really fun to play."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-did-alcaraz-cut-his-hair-us-open-2022-winner-reveals-reason-1756283286078">Why did Alcaraz cut his hair - US Open 2022 winner reveals reason</a></p><h2><strong>Naomi Osaka in US Open 2025</strong></h2><p>The Japanese player also looked good with tennis racquet in her hand and not just with the doll. She took only two sets to beat Minnen 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the second round where she'll now face home town girl Hailey Baptiste. While Osaka has definitely aced her outfit and appearance, she'd like to go to distance in the year's last major and possibly end the grand slam drought which is going on since she won Australian Open in 2021.</p>

Naomi Osaka's sprakly red roses in ponytail along with a ‘Billie Jean Bling’ Labubu doll stole the limelight at the US Open 2025 during her 6-3, 6-4 first round win over Greet Minnen in straight sets.

Naomi Osaka won her first round women's singles match in the US Open 2025 in straight sets against Greet Minnen but it was her outfit and Labubu doll which created more buzz. The former world number 1 and two-time US Open winner (2018 and 2020) is currently seeded no. 23 and is vying hard to regain her lost position in women's tennis. It was a perfect start for her at the Flushing Meadows which she matched with her sparkly roses in her hair. Naomi Osaka US Open 2025 outfit The Japanese player, after the win, spoke at length about her appearance in Nike outfit - something which was in works for a long time. The outfit included a red outfit with sparkles, red roses with more sparkles in her ponytail and a sparkly Labubu doll to go with which she named "Billie Jean Bling" after famous American women's tennis player Billie Jean King. Have a look at the outfit below:

<p>Naomi Osaka's sparkly red roses in ponytail along with a ‘Billie Jean Bling’ Labubu doll stole the limelight at the US Open 2025 during her 6-3, 6-4 first round win over Greet Minnen in straight sets.</p>

Naomi Osaka US Open 2025 outfit: Sparkly roses in ponytail and a 'Billie Jean' Labubu doll

<p>Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko conquered four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 on Thursday, capping a fairytale run at the WTA Canadian Open with her first WTA title. Mboko, 18 and playing in her first WTA final, denied Osaka her first tour-level title since the 2021 Australian Open, wearing down the Japanese star, 27, who has struggled to find consistency since returning from maternity leave early in 2024. Mboko, who was ranked outside the top 300 to start the season and had climbed to 85th entering the week, is now projected to rise to 34th in the world.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Before an ecstatic center court crowd of 11,000, she converted eight of her nine break points, seizing her fourth win of the week over a Grand Slam winner.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She ousted former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in the second round and toppled reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff in the fourth before saving a match point en route to a semi-final victory over former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cj-gardner-johnson-injury-former-philadelphia-eagles-safety-suffers-leg-injury-during-camp-1754585266591"><strong>CJ Gardner-Johnson injury: Former Philadelphia Eagles safety suffers leg injury during camp</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"It's been an incredible week here in Montreal," Mboko said at the trophy presentation. "I also want to thank Naomi for an incredible match. I've always looked up to her when I was really little, so it's always great to play with an amazing player like you."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Displaying vintage power and precision, Osaka gave her inexperienced opponent little room to maneuver in the first set, gaining an early break on the way to a 3-0 lead and pocketing the set when Mboko, who had 22 unforced errors in the set, mis-fired on two forehands to drop her serve a second time.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mboko turned the tide in a second set that featured seven total breaks of serve. Osaka looked bewildered as Mboko ramped up the pressure, the Canadian breaking her at love for a 5-2 lead.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Serving for the set, however, Mboko coughed up three double faults and was broken. Osaka capitalized on the reprieve with a hold at love, but Mboko took the set in the next game when Osaka sailed a forehand long on set point.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Osaka appeared demoralized as she was broken at love to open the third set.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mboko, who had 13 double faults in the match, couldn't consolidate the break.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.</i></p>

Mboko, who was ranked outside the top 300 to start the season and had climbed to 85th entering the week, is now projected to rise to 34th in the world.

Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko conquered four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 on Thursday, capping a fairytale run at the WTA Canadian Open with her first WTA title. Mboko, 18 and playing in her first WTA final, denied Osaka her first tour-level title since the 2021 Australian Open, wearing down the Japanese star, 27, who has struggled to find consistency since returning from maternity leave early in 2024. Mboko, who was ranked outside the top 300 to start the season and had climbed to 85th entering the week, is now projected to rise to 34th in the world. Before an ecstatic center court crowd of 11,000, she converted eight of her nine break points, seizing her fourth win of the week over a Grand Slam winner. She ousted former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in the second round and toppled reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff in the fourth before saving a match point en route to a semi-final victory over former Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina. Also read | CJ Gardner-Johnson injury: Former Philadelphia Eagles safety suffers leg injury during camp "It's been an incredible week here in Montreal," Mboko said at the trophy presentation. "I also want to thank Naomi for an incredible match. I've always looked up to her when I was really little, so it's always great to play with an amazing player like you." Displaying vintage power and precision, Osaka gave her inexperienced opponent little room to maneuver in the first set, gaining an early break on the way to a 3-0 lead and pocketing the set when Mboko, who had 22 unforced errors in the set, mis-fired on two forehands to drop her serve a second time. Mboko turned the tide in a second set that featured seven total breaks of serve. Osaka looked bewildered as Mboko ramped up the pressure, the Canadian breaking her at love for a 5-2 lead. Serving for the set, however, Mboko coughed up three double faults and was broken. Osaka capitalized on the reprieve with a hold at love, but Mboko took the set in the next game when Osaka sailed a forehand long on set point. Osaka appeared demoralized as she was broken at love to open the third set. Mboko, who had 13 double faults in the match, couldn't consolidate the break. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

<p>Mboko, who was ranked outside the top 300 to start the season and had climbed to 85th entering the week, is now projected to rise to 34th in the world.</p>

Canadian teen Mboko stuns Naomi Osaka to win WTA Montreal crown

<p>Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and Canadian teen sensation Victoria Mboko booked a championship showdown with gritty semi-final wins on Wednesday (Aug 6) in the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal. Japan's Osaka, chasing her first tour-level title since the 2021 Australian Open, saved a pair of set points in the second-set tiebreaker to polish off a 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Denmark's Clara Tauson -- who was coming off victories over Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek and Australian Open winner Madison Keys.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mboko saved a match point in a thrilling 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) victory over former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. The 18-year-old wild card fed off the energy of the crowd, crediting ecstatic supporters with carrying her through after a tumble left her with a sore right wrist in the third set of her first tour-level semi-final.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mboko, who ousted top-seeded French Open champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round, didn't let it stop her.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After going down an early break in the third set, she refused to go quietly, loading up on her forehand, fending off a match point as she broke Rybakina in the 10th game to level the set.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A couple of untimely double faults helped ninth-seeded Rybakina break back for a 6-5 lead, but the ninth seed from Kazakhstan was broken at love in the next game, setting the stage for tiebreaker drama.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"After I had that fall, I wasn't in the greatest spirits, but I'm happy that I kept my composure and I was kind of patient in the right moments," said Mboko, who won the last three points of a decider she called "stressful". "Anything can happen," an exhausted Mboko beamed as the crowd's cheers rained down on her.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Unfortunately, I fell, but I had everyone supporting me and pushing me.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mboko started the season ranked outside the top 300 but had worked her way up to 85th coming into the week by grinding away in lower-level tournaments.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She is assured of breaking into the top 40 no matter the result against Osaka, a former world number one who has struggled to find consistency since returning from maternity leave in 2024.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She has looked re-energised this week after a coaching shakeup and rolled through the first set against Tauson.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But Tauson twice regained a break in the second set as she pushed it to the tiebreaker, where she had chances to level the match after taking a 6-4 lead.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Unable to convert her set points, the Dane saved one match point to make it 7-7, but Osaka won the next two to seal the victory and reach her first final in a WTA 1000-level event since Miami in 2022.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.</i></p>

Japan's Osaka, chasing her first tour-level title since the 2021 Australian Open, saved a pair of set points in the second-set tiebreaker to polish off a 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Denmark's Clara Tauson. 

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and Canadian teen sensation Victoria Mboko booked a championship showdown with gritty semi-final wins on Wednesday (Aug 6) in the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal. Japan's Osaka, chasing her first tour-level title since the 2021 Australian Open, saved a pair of set points in the second-set tiebreaker to polish off a 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Denmark's Clara Tauson -- who was coming off victories over Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek and Australian Open winner Madison Keys. Mboko saved a match point in a thrilling 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) victory over former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. The 18-year-old wild card fed off the energy of the crowd, crediting ecstatic supporters with carrying her through after a tumble left her with a sore right wrist in the third set of her first tour-level semi-final. Mboko, who ousted top-seeded French Open champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round, didn't let it stop her. After going down an early break in the third set, she refused to go quietly, loading up on her forehand, fending off a match point as she broke Rybakina in the 10th game to level the set. A couple of untimely double faults helped ninth-seeded Rybakina break back for a 6-5 lead, but the ninth seed from Kazakhstan was broken at love in the next game, setting the stage for tiebreaker drama. "After I had that fall, I wasn't in the greatest spirits, but I'm happy that I kept my composure and I was kind of patient in the right moments," said Mboko, who won the last three points of a decider she called "stressful". "Anything can happen," an exhausted Mboko beamed as the crowd's cheers rained down on her. “Unfortunately, I fell, but I had everyone supporting me and pushing me.” Mboko started the season ranked outside the top 300 but had worked her way up to 85th coming into the week by grinding away in lower-level tournaments. She is assured of breaking into the top 40 no matter the result against Osaka, a former world number one who has struggled to find consistency since returning from maternity leave in 2024. She has looked re-energised this week after a coaching shakeup and rolled through the first set against Tauson. But Tauson twice regained a break in the second set as she pushed it to the tiebreaker, where she had chances to level the match after taking a 6-4 lead. Unable to convert her set points, the Dane saved one match point to make it 7-7, but Osaka won the next two to seal the victory and reach her first final in a WTA 1000-level event since Miami in 2022. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

<p>Japan's Osaka, chasing her first tour-level title since the 2021 Australian Open, saved a pair of set points in the second-set tiebreaker to polish off a 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Denmark's Clara Tauson.&nbsp;</p>

Naomi Osaka faces Canadian teen Victoria Mboko in WTA Montreal title clash

<p>Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek became the latest seed to fall at the WTA Canadian Open on Sunday (Aug 3), stunned 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 by 19th-ranked Dane Clara Tauson in the fourth round. Swiatek, ranked third in the world and seeded second in Montreal, followed top-seeded Coco Gauff, third-seeded two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula and fourth-seeded Mirra Andreeva out the door. Fifth-seeded American Amanada Anisimova followed later with a straight-sets loss to Elina Svitolina. Tauson avenged a fourth-round loss to Swiatek at Wimbledon and called her second career victory over a top-five player "unreal".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Obviously it's really great and it shows all the hard work I've been doing has been the right thing," Tauson said. "I'm getting more confidence in this kind of level and feeling like I belong here a bit more. I think that really helped me today in the important points."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Tauson booked a quarter-final berth against Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who saved two match points on the way to a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Czech Karolina Muchova.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It was the American's third match win of the year in which she overcame a match point.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, it was clear sailing for former world number one Naomi Osaka, who needed just 49 minutes to blast past Anastasija Sevastova 6-1, 6-0.</p><p>The second-quickest win of Osaka's career put her into her first quarter-final at the 1000 or Grand Slam level since Doha in 2024.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Swiatek, playing her first tournament since winning her sixth Grand Slam title at the All England Club last month, looked out of sorts from the start on a breezy centre court.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She fell behind a quick break and failed to convert a pair of break chances in the eighth game as Tauson took a 5-3 lead in the first set.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Polish star appeared to be finding her rhythm as she won the next three games to get her nose in front 6-5.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But Tauson, who won her third WTA title and her first since 2021 in New Zealand in January, held to force the tiebreaker and dominated, Swiatek surrendering the set with a double fault on the Dane's first set point.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Swiatek had saved a pair of break points in the eighth game of the second set when another untimely double fault gave Tauson the break and a 5-3 lead.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Tauson calmly served it out, claiming the victory when Swiatek belted a backhand into the net.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Swiatek, playing her first tournament since winning her sixth Grand Slam title at the All England Club last month, looked out of sorts from the start on a breezy centre court.

Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek became the latest seed to fall at the WTA Canadian Open on Sunday (Aug 3), stunned 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 by 19th-ranked Dane Clara Tauson in the fourth round. Swiatek, ranked third in the world and seeded second in Montreal, followed top-seeded Coco Gauff, third-seeded two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula and fourth-seeded Mirra Andreeva out the door. Fifth-seeded American Amanada Anisimova followed later with a straight-sets loss to Elina Svitolina. Tauson avenged a fourth-round loss to Swiatek at Wimbledon and called her second career victory over a top-five player "unreal". "Obviously it's really great and it shows all the hard work I've been doing has been the right thing," Tauson said. "I'm getting more confidence in this kind of level and feeling like I belong here a bit more. I think that really helped me today in the important points." Tauson booked a quarter-final berth against Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who saved two match points on the way to a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Czech Karolina Muchova. It was the American's third match win of the year in which she overcame a match point. Meanwhile, it was clear sailing for former world number one Naomi Osaka, who needed just 49 minutes to blast past Anastasija Sevastova 6-1, 6-0. The second-quickest win of Osaka's career put her into her first quarter-final at the 1000 or Grand Slam level since Doha in 2024. Swiatek, playing her first tournament since winning her sixth Grand Slam title at the All England Club last month, looked out of sorts from the start on a breezy centre court. She fell behind a quick break and failed to convert a pair of break chances in the eighth game as Tauson took a 5-3 lead in the first set. The Polish star appeared to be finding her rhythm as she won the next three games to get her nose in front 6-5. But Tauson, who won her third WTA title and her first since 2021 in New Zealand in January, held to force the tiebreaker and dominated, Swiatek surrendering the set with a double fault on the Dane's first set point. Swiatek had saved a pair of break points in the eighth game of the second set when another untimely double fault gave Tauson the break and a 5-3 lead. Tauson calmly served it out, claiming the victory when Swiatek belted a backhand into the net. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

<p>Swiatek, playing her first tournament since winning her sixth Grand Slam title at the All England Club last month, looked out of sorts from the start on a breezy centre court.</p>

Tennis: Swiatek crashes out of WTA Canadian Open, Japan’s Osaka races through

<p>Anastasija Sevastova stunned two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 on Friday to book a fourth-round clash with Naomi Osaka at the WTA Canadian Open.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sevastova, a former world No. 11 now ranked 386th, snapped fourth-ranked Pegula's 11-match WTA Canada win streak, the longest since Serena Williams reeled off 14 consecutive wins in 2011, 2013 and 2014.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She will try to extend her Montreal run in a round of 16 meeting with Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion from Japan who ousted another Latvian, 22nd seed Jelena Ostapenko, 6-2, 6-4.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Somehow, I was down 2-0 in the second set and started to play better and better," Sevastova said. "Third set I played really good.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Just trying to stay on the court as long as possible," added Sevastova, who has dealt with injury since returning from maternity leave in February 2024.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the night session, second-seeded Iga Swiatek -- playing her first tournament since winning Wimbledon -- raced into the fourth round with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Germany's Eva Lys.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Swiatek next faces Denmark's Clara Tauson, who beat Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-3, 6-0.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pegula, last year's US Open runner-up in her best Slam showing, was the first woman to win back to back Canadian Open titles since Martina Hingis in 1999-2000.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But she has struggled in recent months, dropping her openers at Wimbledon and at Washington last week.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The American broke to open the match and again at love to claim the first set.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But she couldn't maintain an early break in the second, with Sevastova breaking for a 5-4 lead and denying Pegula on three break chances before holding in the final game to force a third set in which she seized a 4-1 lead on the way to victory.</p><h2><strong>Weird match</strong></h2><p>"It was a weird match for me," Pegula said. "I felt like I had total control and then I just played a couple of terrible games for, like, three games.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"That totally flipped the momentum of the match, and I went from being up a set and 2-0 to being down very quickly.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I don't really feel like I'm playing great tennis," Pegula admitted. "At times I am, but I feel very up and down, kind of sloppy, which I don't like. I've got to figure it out."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Osaka, twice a winner at both the US and Australian Opens, is one match away from her first quarter-final run at either a Grand Slam or WTA 1000 event since she returned from maternity leave at the start of 2024.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Now ranked 49th, Osaka broke on a double fault to capture the first set in 30 minutes and raced to a 3-1 lead in the second.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They exchanged breaks before Osaka served for the match with a 5-3 lead, but Ostapenko saved a match point on a forehand crosscourt winner and broke when Osaka sent a forehand beyond the baseline.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Japanese star responded by breaking Ostapenko at love in the final game.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I went in there knowing she's a great player and if I give her a chance she's going to hit a winner on me, so I just tried to keep my pace and stay as solid as I could," Osaka said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Australian Open champion Madison Keys, seeded sixth, beat fellow American Caty McNally 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 and will next meet Karolina Muchova, a 6-7 (2/7), 6-2, 6-3 winner over Belinda Bencic.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Fifth-seeded American Amanda Anisimova, regrouping this week after a crushing 6-0, 6-0 loss to Swiatek in the Wimbledon final, swept past Britain's Emma Raducanu 6-2, 6-1.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She lined up a meeting with Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who beat Russian Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-1.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

Anastasija Sevastova, a former world No. 11 now ranked 386th, snapped fourth-ranked Jessica Pegula's 11-match WTA Canada win streak, the longest since Serena Williams reeled off 14 consecutive wins in 2011, 2013 and 2014.

Anastasija Sevastova stunned two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 on Friday to book a fourth-round clash with Naomi Osaka at the WTA Canadian Open. Sevastova, a former world No. 11 now ranked 386th, snapped fourth-ranked Pegula's 11-match WTA Canada win streak, the longest since Serena Williams reeled off 14 consecutive wins in 2011, 2013 and 2014. She will try to extend her Montreal run in a round of 16 meeting with Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion from Japan who ousted another Latvian, 22nd seed Jelena Ostapenko, 6-2, 6-4. "Somehow, I was down 2-0 in the second set and started to play better and better," Sevastova said. "Third set I played really good. "Just trying to stay on the court as long as possible," added Sevastova, who has dealt with injury since returning from maternity leave in February 2024. In the night session, second-seeded Iga Swiatek -- playing her first tournament since winning Wimbledon -- raced into the fourth round with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Germany's Eva Lys. Swiatek next faces Denmark's Clara Tauson, who beat Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-3, 6-0. Pegula, last year's US Open runner-up in her best Slam showing, was the first woman to win back to back Canadian Open titles since Martina Hingis in 1999-2000. But she has struggled in recent months, dropping her openers at Wimbledon and at Washington last week. The American broke to open the match and again at love to claim the first set. But she couldn't maintain an early break in the second, with Sevastova breaking for a 5-4 lead and denying Pegula on three break chances before holding in the final game to force a third set in which she seized a 4-1 lead on the way to victory. Weird match "It was a weird match for me," Pegula said. "I felt like I had total control and then I just played a couple of terrible games for, like, three games. "That totally flipped the momentum of the match, and I went from being up a set and 2-0 to being down very quickly. "I don't really feel like I'm playing great tennis," Pegula admitted. "At times I am, but I feel very up and down, kind of sloppy, which I don't like. I've got to figure it out." Osaka, twice a winner at both the US and Australian Opens, is one match away from her first quarter-final run at either a Grand Slam or WTA 1000 event since she returned from maternity leave at the start of 2024. Now ranked 49th, Osaka broke on a double fault to capture the first set in 30 minutes and raced to a 3-1 lead in the second. They exchanged breaks before Osaka served for the match with a 5-3 lead, but Ostapenko saved a match point on a forehand crosscourt winner and broke when Osaka sent a forehand beyond the baseline. The Japanese star responded by breaking Ostapenko at love in the final game. "I went in there knowing she's a great player and if I give her a chance she's going to hit a winner on me, so I just tried to keep my pace and stay as solid as I could," Osaka said. Australian Open champion Madison Keys, seeded sixth, beat fellow American Caty McNally 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 and will next meet Karolina Muchova, a 6-7 (2/7), 6-2, 6-3 winner over Belinda Bencic. Fifth-seeded American Amanda Anisimova, regrouping this week after a crushing 6-0, 6-0 loss to Swiatek in the Wimbledon final, swept past Britain's Emma Raducanu 6-2, 6-1. She lined up a meeting with Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who beat Russian Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-1. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>Anastasija Sevastova, a former world No. 11 now ranked 386th, snapped fourth-ranked Jessica Pegula's 11-match WTA Canada win streak, the longest since Serena Williams reeled off 14 consecutive wins in 2011, 2013 and 2014.</p>

Anastasija Sevastova topples Jessica Pegula to book date with Naomi Osaka; Iga Swiatek advances in Montreal

<p>Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek cruised, Naomi Osaka battled through, and Canadian Eugenie Bouchard called time on her WTA career with a gutsy second-round loss in Montreal on Wednesday (Jul 30). Switzerland's Belinda Bencic sent Bouchard into retirement with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 victory -- but not before the Canadian thrilled her hometown fans by seizing an early break in the third set. Spectators were on their feet, trying to will Bouchard to another victory on the heels of her first-round triumph on Monday -- her first WTA win since 2023. But Bencic won five of the last six games to vanquish Bouchard, who had announced earlier in July she would retire after a final appearance in her home tournament.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I think it's so special to play my last match here in Montreal on this court in front of you guys," a teary Bouchard said as she was honoured on court after the match. "I remember being a little kid sitting in these stands, hoping and dreaming that I would play on this court one day.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I grew up playing on these courts, and courts all around Montreal and near here, so it feels like such a full circle moment to finish my career here."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bouchard, who rose as high as fifth in the world rankings, shot to prominence in 2014 when she reached the Wimbledon final and made semi-final runs at the Australian and French Opens. But her career was hindered by injuries, including a concussion suffered in a locker room slip at the 2015 US Open and a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2021.</p><h3>Swiatek sails through</h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There was no drama for Poland's Swiatek, who breezed past Chinese qualifier Guo Hanyu 6-3, 6-1 in her first match since her crushing victory over Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon final.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Swiatek, seeded second, broke Guo's serve six times to book her spot in the third round.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It was much harder going for Japan's four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka, who saved two match points in a 4-6, 7-6 (8/6) 6-3 triumph over Liudmila Samsonova.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Osaka, now working with Tomasz Wiktorowski after announcing on Monday she had split with coach Patrick Mouratoglou, surrendered early breaks in each of the first two sets.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Wimbledon quarter-finalist Samsonova served for the match at 5-4 in the second and led 40-15. The Russian fired a forehand long on her first match point, and on her second, a lacklustre drop shot effort gave Osaka an opening, and the Japanese star pounced.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Samsonova's double fault on break point allowed Osaka to level the set, and after storming back from 5-2 down in the tiebreaker to force a third set, Osaka took control early, breaking Samsonova twice on the way to a 4-1 lead.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"She definitely came out really hard and, for me, I was definitely overwhelmed and I didn't know if I should also be hitting winners," Osaka said. "After a while, I just tried to keep the ball in court."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jessica Pegula, the two-time defending champion and third seed, saved five set points in the opening set on the way to a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Maria Sakkari of Greece.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Australian Open champion Madison Keys, the sixth seed, opened her campaign with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Laura Siegemund, avenging a third-round loss to the German at Wimbledon.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.</i></p>

Spectators were on their feet, trying to will Bouchard to another victory on the heels of her first-round triumph on Monday -- her first WTA win since 2023.

Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek cruised, Naomi Osaka battled through, and Canadian Eugenie Bouchard called time on her WTA career with a gutsy second-round loss in Montreal on Wednesday (Jul 30). Switzerland's Belinda Bencic sent Bouchard into retirement with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 victory -- but not before the Canadian thrilled her hometown fans by seizing an early break in the third set. Spectators were on their feet, trying to will Bouchard to another victory on the heels of her first-round triumph on Monday -- her first WTA win since 2023. But Bencic won five of the last six games to vanquish Bouchard, who had announced earlier in July she would retire after a final appearance in her home tournament. "I think it's so special to play my last match here in Montreal on this court in front of you guys," a teary Bouchard said as she was honoured on court after the match. "I remember being a little kid sitting in these stands, hoping and dreaming that I would play on this court one day. "I grew up playing on these courts, and courts all around Montreal and near here, so it feels like such a full circle moment to finish my career here." Bouchard, who rose as high as fifth in the world rankings, shot to prominence in 2014 when she reached the Wimbledon final and made semi-final runs at the Australian and French Opens. But her career was hindered by injuries, including a concussion suffered in a locker room slip at the 2015 US Open and a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2021. Swiatek sails through There was no drama for Poland's Swiatek, who breezed past Chinese qualifier Guo Hanyu 6-3, 6-1 in her first match since her crushing victory over Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon final. Swiatek, seeded second, broke Guo's serve six times to book her spot in the third round. It was much harder going for Japan's four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka, who saved two match points in a 4-6, 7-6 (8/6) 6-3 triumph over Liudmila Samsonova. Osaka, now working with Tomasz Wiktorowski after announcing on Monday she had split with coach Patrick Mouratoglou, surrendered early breaks in each of the first two sets. Wimbledon quarter-finalist Samsonova served for the match at 5-4 in the second and led 40-15. The Russian fired a forehand long on her first match point, and on her second, a lacklustre drop shot effort gave Osaka an opening, and the Japanese star pounced. Samsonova's double fault on break point allowed Osaka to level the set, and after storming back from 5-2 down in the tiebreaker to force a third set, Osaka took control early, breaking Samsonova twice on the way to a 4-1 lead. "She definitely came out really hard and, for me, I was definitely overwhelmed and I didn't know if I should also be hitting winners," Osaka said. "After a while, I just tried to keep the ball in court." Jessica Pegula, the two-time defending champion and third seed, saved five set points in the opening set on the way to a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Maria Sakkari of Greece. Australian Open champion Madison Keys, the sixth seed, opened her campaign with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Laura Siegemund, avenging a third-round loss to the German at Wimbledon. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

<p>Spectators were on their feet, trying to will Bouchard to another victory on the heels of her first-round triumph on Monday -- her first WTA win since 2023.</p>

Wimbledon champion Swiatek cruises, Osaka battles and Bouchard says goodbye in Montreal

<p>Japan's Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, will work with Polish coach Tomasz Wiktorowski on a trial basis after splitting with Patrick Mouratoglou after less than a year together.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Osaka announced the parting with Frenchman Mouratoglou, the former coach of superstar Serena Williams, on social media on Monday before defeating Canadian qualifier Ariana Arseneault 6-4, 6-2 in 76 minutes in a first round match at the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Osaka, ranked 49th, began working in Canada with Wiktorowski, who coached Poland's Agnieszka Radwańska from 2011-2018, helping her reach the Wimbledon final and world number two ranking in July 2012.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Wiktorowski also coached Poland's Iga Swiatek from late 2021 until last October, a run where she won four of her six career Grand Slam singles titles, before adding the most recent at Wimbledon earlier this month.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Osaka, who improved to 11-1 in matches against players ranked outside the top 100, will next face 13th seed Liudmila Samsonova in the second round. They have split four prior meetings but Osaka won the two they played on hardcourts.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Former world number one Osaka, 27, began working with Mouratoglou last September.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Merci Patrick it was such a great experience learning from you," Osaka posted on social media. "Wishing you nothing but the best. You are one of the coolest people l've ever met and I'm sure I'll see you around."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-ashwin-slams-england-double-standards-over-handshake-saga-in-manchester-test-1753709560665"><strong>Ravi Ashwin slams England’s ‘double standards’ over ‘handshake saga’ in Manchester Test</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mouratoglou said on Instagram he was "grateful for the trust, the journey and what we have built together," and told Osaka he "will always root for you."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Under the Frenchman's guidance, Osaka reached the Auckland final in January but retired after the first set with an abdominal injury. She won twice at the Australian Open but retired after the first set in her third match with the same injury.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Osaka won her first WTA title since the 2021 Australian Open in May at the L'Open 35 de Saint Malo, but fell in the first round of the French Open and the third round at Wimbledon.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

Naomi Osaka announced the parting with Frenchman Mouratoglou, the former coach of superstar Serena Williams, on social media on Monday before defeating Canadian qualifier Ariana Arseneault 6-4, 6-2 in 76 minutes in a first round match at the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal.

Japan's Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, will work with Polish coach Tomasz Wiktorowski on a trial basis after splitting with Patrick Mouratoglou after less than a year together. Osaka announced the parting with Frenchman Mouratoglou, the former coach of superstar Serena Williams, on social media on Monday before defeating Canadian qualifier Ariana Arseneault 6-4, 6-2 in 76 minutes in a first round match at the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal. Osaka, ranked 49th, began working in Canada with Wiktorowski, who coached Poland's Agnieszka Radwańska from 2011-2018, helping her reach the Wimbledon final and world number two ranking in July 2012. Wiktorowski also coached Poland's Iga Swiatek from late 2021 until last October, a run where she won four of her six career Grand Slam singles titles, before adding the most recent at Wimbledon earlier this month. Osaka, who improved to 11-1 in matches against players ranked outside the top 100, will next face 13th seed Liudmila Samsonova in the second round. They have split four prior meetings but Osaka won the two they played on hardcourts. Former world number one Osaka, 27, began working with Mouratoglou last September. "Merci Patrick it was such a great experience learning from you," Osaka posted on social media. "Wishing you nothing but the best. You are one of the coolest people l've ever met and I'm sure I'll see you around." ALSO READ | Ravi Ashwin slams England’s ‘double standards’ over ‘handshake saga’ in Manchester Test Mouratoglou said on Instagram he was "grateful for the trust, the journey and what we have built together," and told Osaka he "will always root for you." Under the Frenchman's guidance, Osaka reached the Auckland final in January but retired after the first set with an abdominal injury. She won twice at the Australian Open but retired after the first set in her third match with the same injury. Osaka won her first WTA title since the 2021 Australian Open in May at the L'Open 35 de Saint Malo, but fell in the first round of the French Open and the third round at Wimbledon. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>Naomi Osaka announced the parting with Frenchman Mouratoglou, the former coach of superstar Serena Williams, on social media on Monday before defeating Canadian qualifier Ariana Arseneault 6-4, 6-2 in 76 minutes in a first round match at the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal.</p>

Naomi Osaka to work with Tomasz Wiktorowski on trial after Patrick Mouratoglou split

<p>Former world number ones Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka both advanced to the second round in the Wimbledon warm-up tournament at Bad Homburg on Monday.</p><p>Japan's Osaka battled past Serbian qualifier Olga Danilovic 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4) as Belarusian Azarenka beat Germany's Laura Siegemund 6-2, 6-2. Azarenka, 35, next meets Poland's Iga Swiatek in the second round.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Osaka fired 16 aces with Danilovic hitting 10 in a big-serving battle which lasted just over two hours.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"It's my first grass-court win of the year, so I'm really excited about that," said Osaka, a wildcard to the main draw.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I think I have potential (on grass), but everyone else is also really good.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I can never take it for granted, the wins. Just super excited that I won today."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The victory halts Osaka's three-match losing streak after Rome, the French Open and Berlin as she continues her comeback from maternity leave last year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The four-time Grand Slam winner advances to a second-round meeting with fifth seed Emma Navarro of the United States.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Osaka saved four break points, while Danilovic fought off six, with the Japanese player coming through two tight tie-breaks.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ind-vs-eng-1st-test-rahul-joins-jaiswal-to-replicate-rare-feat-from-india-s-1936-test-against-england-1750691988956"><strong>IND vs ENG, 1st Test: Rahul joins Jaiswal to replicate rare feat from India's 1936 Test against England</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Osaka came back from 4-2 down in the first-set breaker, using her backhand to force an error on her second set point.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Danilovic started the second set with three consecutive aces.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the tiebreak Osaka challenged a called ace by Danilovic and the review showed the ball just out. Danilovic then double-faulted, and Osaka took a 3-1 lead.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A smash gave Osaka a 6-4 advantage and double match point which she wrapped up with a forehand winner on the next point.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka had to qualify for this week's main draw, but eased past wild card Siegemund.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Croatian Donna Vekic lost to Diana Shnaider in last year's Bad Homburg final, but she reversed that result on Monday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Vekic saved all four break points she faced to sweep past the sixth seeded Russian 6-3, 6-3.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She next plays Czech Linda Noskova who beat Australian Ajla Tomljanovic 6-3, 6-2.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

Former world number ones Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka both advanced to the second round in the Wimbledon warm-up tournament at Bad Homburg on Monday.

Former world number ones Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka both advanced to the second round in the Wimbledon warm-up tournament at Bad Homburg on Monday. Japan's Osaka battled past Serbian qualifier Olga Danilovic 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4) as Belarusian Azarenka beat Germany's Laura Siegemund 6-2, 6-2. Azarenka, 35, next meets Poland's Iga Swiatek in the second round. Osaka fired 16 aces with Danilovic hitting 10 in a big-serving battle which lasted just over two hours. "It's my first grass-court win of the year, so I'm really excited about that," said Osaka, a wildcard to the main draw. "I think I have potential (on grass), but everyone else is also really good. "I can never take it for granted, the wins. Just super excited that I won today." The victory halts Osaka's three-match losing streak after Rome, the French Open and Berlin as she continues her comeback from maternity leave last year. The four-time Grand Slam winner advances to a second-round meeting with fifth seed Emma Navarro of the United States. Osaka saved four break points, while Danilovic fought off six, with the Japanese player coming through two tight tie-breaks. ALSO READ | IND vs ENG, 1st Test: Rahul joins Jaiswal to replicate rare feat from India's 1936 Test against England Osaka came back from 4-2 down in the first-set breaker, using her backhand to force an error on her second set point. Danilovic started the second set with three consecutive aces. In the tiebreak Osaka challenged a called ace by Danilovic and the review showed the ball just out. Danilovic then double-faulted, and Osaka took a 3-1 lead. A smash gave Osaka a 6-4 advantage and double match point which she wrapped up with a forehand winner on the next point. Two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka had to qualify for this week's main draw, but eased past wild card Siegemund. Croatian Donna Vekic lost to Diana Shnaider in last year's Bad Homburg final, but she reversed that result on Monday. Vekic saved all four break points she faced to sweep past the sixth seeded Russian 6-3, 6-3. She next plays Czech Linda Noskova who beat Australian Ajla Tomljanovic 6-3, 6-2. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>Former world number ones Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka both advanced to the second round in the Wimbledon warm-up tournament at Bad Homburg on Monday.</p>

Naomi Osaka, Victoria Azarenka advance on grass at Bad Homburg

<p>Australia's Alex de Minaur put and end to Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca's challenge at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/miami-open" rel="dofollow">Miami Open</a>, outlasting the 18-year-old 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 in an enthralling contest.</p>
<p>Attendance on stadium court had been sparse throughout Monday, but the Hard Rock Stadium turned into a mini-Maracana Stadium for Fonseca's match, complete with Brazilian flags and football-style chanting.</p>
<p>Fonseca brought his energetic brand of ultra-attacking tennis, but De Minaur was up to the challenge, coping with both the blistering forehands and the partisan crowd.</p>
<p>Such was the dominance of Fonseca's raucous support that the referee switched to Portuguese for his appeals for quiet.&nbsp;But de Minaur won six of the final seven games to move into the fourth round, keeping his cool even when the crowd, at times, disrupted his serve preparation.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/nations-league-lamine-yamal-hits-and-misses-on-same-night-as-spain-get-into-semis-8886519">Nations League: Lamine Yamal hits and misses on same night as Spain get into semis</a></strong></p>
<p>"Mentally I was ready for this match, I knew I was not only going to play an incredible talent like Joao, playing with immense confidence and nothing to lose, but also an incredible crowd that was on his side from the first point until the last," de Minaur said.</p>
<p>"One of my biggest strengths is my mentality and that is what got me the win today," he added.</p>
<p>Top seed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/alexander-zverev" rel="dofollow">Alexander Zverev</a> recovered from a slow start to power into the fourth round of the&nbsp;<span class="highlight">Miami</span>&nbsp;<span class="highlight">Open</span>&nbsp;with a 7-5, 6-4 win against Australia's&nbsp;Jordan Thompson.</p>
<p>The German was 4-1 down in the first set but then went on a roll, winning eight of the next nine games to progress.&nbsp;Zverev lost in the opening round at Indian Wells, but with Carlos Alcaraz already out in&nbsp;<span class="highlight">Miami</span>&nbsp;he will fancy his chances of adding to his list of seven Masters 1000 titles.</p>
<p>Third-seed Taylor Fritz also moved into the fourth round beating Denis Shapovalov of Canada 7-5, 6-3.&nbsp;The American let slip a 5-2 lead in the first set, but regained control with his serve proving too much for Shapovalov.</p>
<p>In the women's draw, third-seed Coco Gauff's bid ended with a 6-4 6-4 loss to Poland's Magda Linette.&nbsp;Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka eased her way into the last eight with a 6-4, 6-4 win over last year's winner Danielle Collins of the USA.</p>
<p>Next, Sabalenka will be up against ninth seeded Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen who reached her second consecutive WTA 1000 quarter-final, with a straight-sets win over Ashlyn Krueger.</p>
<p>"I'm super happy to get this win in straight sets and happy with the level I played today," said Sabalenka.&nbsp;"She's a tough opponent, and we had a lot of tough and tricky matches in the past. So was very happy to get through this one," she added.</p>
<h2>Paolini sinks Osaka</h2>
<p>Italy's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasmine-paolini">Jasmine Paolini</a> enjoyed a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 comeback win over Naomi Osaka in 2 hours and 15 minutes.&nbsp;Since her comeback from maternity leave 15 months ago, Osaka has been showing some signs of getting back towards her best but Paolini was the first top 10 player Osaka has faced this year.</p>
<p>"I don't think that I can say that I've played a lot of matches against top players like this in a while," said Osaka.</p>
<p>"The way she plays kind of catches me off guard, simply because of her height. I didn't know she could hit like that," she added.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/emma-raducanu">Emma Raducanu</a> continued her impressive form in&nbsp;<span class="highlight">Miami</span>, cruising to a 6-1, 6-3 in 69 minutes over American Amanda Anisimova, who had eliminated Indian Wells winner Mirra Andreeva on Sunday.</p>
<p>It is the first time Raducanu has won four straight WTA Tour main draw matches in a row since her US&nbsp;<span class="highlight">Open</span> triumph in 2021.&nbsp;Raducanu, who has brought in some old faces from the early days of her career for this tournament, said she was benefitting from their presence.</p>
<p>"I feel pretty relaxed and can be myself and be expressive and true to myself. I'm really happy with how things are on and off the court right now and just so happy that's able to transfer on to the match court," she said.</p>
<p>Alexandra Eala, the 19-year-old from the Philippines who upset Australian&nbsp;<span class="highlight">Open</span>&nbsp;champion Madison Keys on Sunday, was handed a place in the quarter-finals after her fourth round opponent, Spain's Paula Badosa, pulled out with a lower back injury.</p>
<p>In the last eight Eala will face the winner of Monday's match between Ukraine's Elina Svitolina and second-seed Iga Swiatek.</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>

Tennis, Sports: Fonseca brought his energetic brand of attacking tennis, but De Minaur was up to challenge, coping with both the blistering forehands and  partisan crowd

Australia's Alex de Minaur put and end to Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca's challenge at the Miami Open, outlasting the 18-year-old 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 in an enthralling contest. Attendance on stadium court had been sparse throughout Monday, but the Hard Rock Stadium turned into a mini-Maracana Stadium for Fonseca's match, complete with Brazilian flags and football-style chanting. Fonseca brought his energetic brand of ultra-attacking tennis, but De Minaur was up to the challenge, coping with both the blistering forehands and the partisan crowd. Such was the dominance of Fonseca's raucous support that the referee switched to Portuguese for his appeals for quiet. But de Minaur won six of the final seven games to move into the fourth round, keeping his cool even when the crowd, at times, disrupted his serve preparation. Also Read: Nations League: Lamine Yamal hits and misses on same night as Spain get into semis "Mentally I was ready for this match, I knew I was not only going to play an incredible talent like Joao, playing with immense confidence and nothing to lose, but also an incredible crowd that was on his side from the first point until the last," de Minaur said. "One of my biggest strengths is my mentality and that is what got me the win today," he added. Top seed Alexander Zverev recovered from a slow start to power into the fourth round of the Miami Open with a 7-5, 6-4 win against Australia's Jordan Thompson. The German was 4-1 down in the first set but then went on a roll, winning eight of the next nine games to progress. Zverev lost in the opening round at Indian Wells, but with Carlos Alcaraz already out in Miami he will fancy his chances of adding to his list of seven Masters 1000 titles. Third-seed Taylor Fritz also moved into the fourth round beating Denis Shapovalov of Canada 7-5, 6-3. The American let slip a 5-2 lead in the first set, but regained control with his serve proving too much for Shapovalov. In the women's draw, third-seed Coco Gauff's bid ended with a 6-4 6-4 loss to Poland's Magda Linette. Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka eased her way into the last eight with a 6-4, 6-4 win over last year's winner Danielle Collins of the USA. Next, Sabalenka will be up against ninth seeded Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen who reached her second consecutive WTA 1000 quarter-final, with a straight-sets win over Ashlyn Krueger. "I'm super happy to get this win in straight sets and happy with the level I played today," said Sabalenka. "She's a tough opponent, and we had a lot of tough and tricky matches in the past. So was very happy to get through this one," she added. Paolini sinks Osaka Italy's Jasmine Paolini enjoyed a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 comeback win over Naomi Osaka in 2 hours and 15 minutes. Since her comeback from maternity leave 15 months ago, Osaka has been showing some signs of getting back towards her best but Paolini was the first top 10 player Osaka has faced this year. "I don't think that I can say that I've played a lot of matches against top players like this in a while," said Osaka. "The way she plays kind of catches me off guard, simply because of her height. I didn't know she could hit like that," she added. Emma Raducanu continued her impressive form in Miami, cruising to a 6-1, 6-3 in 69 minutes over American Amanda Anisimova, who had eliminated Indian Wells winner Mirra Andreeva on Sunday. It is the first time Raducanu has won four straight WTA Tour main draw matches in a row since her US Open triumph in 2021. Raducanu, who has brought in some old faces from the early days of her career for this tournament, said she was benefitting from their presence. "I feel pretty relaxed and can be myself and be expressive and true to myself. I'm really happy with how things are on and off the court right now and just so happy that's able to transfer on to the match court," she said. Alexandra Eala, the 19-year-old from the Philippines who upset Australian Open champion Madison Keys on Sunday, was handed a place in the quarter-finals after her fourth round opponent, Spain's Paula Badosa, pulled out with a lower back injury. In the last eight Eala will face the winner of Monday's match between Ukraine's Elina Svitolina and second-seed Iga Swiatek. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Miami Open: De Minaur ends Fonseca challenge, Zverev marches on; Paolini, Raducanu also advance

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/naomi-osaka">Naomi Osaka</a> of Japan has withdrawn from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/australian-open">Australian Open</a> 2025 during her third-round match against Switzerland&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/belinda-bencic">Belinda Bencic</a> on Friday (Jan 17).</p>
<p>Osaka lost the first set in tie break 6-7 (3-7) and then retired due to discomfort. The two-time Australian Open winner needed treatment on her stomach from the trainer at 6-5 in the first set which she went on to lose on a tie break to her Swiss opponent, before shaking hands and leaving the court.</p>
<p><a href="https://wionews.com/sports/tennis/australian-open-2025-bopanna-zhang-advance-to-round-two-8629402" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also Read: Australian Open 2025: Bopanna, Zhang advance to round two</a></p>
<p>Speaking at a press conference, the Japanese star said, "Honestly I kind of have a history of it since I was a teenager. At least once a year I would get an ab strain, and it's usually during Stuttgart, so shoutout to Stuttgart."</p>
<p>"Unfortunately, it carried on to the beginning of this season, but hopefully I can get it together in time for the U.S. swing," she added.</p>
<p>Osaka navigated a challenging part of the tournament, defeating two players who had beaten her in major matches in 2024. She got her revenge against Caroline Garcia, who had beaten her in the Australian Open&rsquo;s first round. Then she came back to win against Karolina Muchova, who had knocked her out in the second round of last year&rsquo;s US Open.</p>
<h2>Belinda's gesture for Osaka</h2>
<p>Swiss tennis player Belinda Bencic made a heartfelt gesture after Naomi Osaka retired midway from her Round 3 match of the women&rsquo;s singles on Friday (January 17) at the Australian Open 2024.&nbsp;</p>
<p>After losing the first set 6-7 (3-7), Osaka failed to continue despite being treated by the physiotherapist. After getting the walkover and making her way to the pre-quarters, Bencic signed the camera with a message, &ldquo;Get well soon mama&rdquo;.</p>
<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Sports, tennis: The two-time Australian Open winner needed treatment on her stomach from the trainer at 6-5 in the first set.

Naomi Osaka of Japan has withdrawn from Australian Open 2025 during her third-round match against Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic on Friday (Jan 17). Osaka lost the first set in tie break 6-7 (3-7) and then retired due to discomfort. The two-time Australian Open winner needed treatment on her stomach from the trainer at 6-5 in the first set which she went on to lose on a tie break to her Swiss opponent, before shaking hands and leaving the court. Also Read: Australian Open 2025: Bopanna, Zhang advance to round two Speaking at a press conference, the Japanese star said, "Honestly I kind of have a history of it since I was a teenager. At least once a year I would get an ab strain, and it's usually during Stuttgart, so shoutout to Stuttgart." "Unfortunately, it carried on to the beginning of this season, but hopefully I can get it together in time for the U.S. swing," she added. Osaka navigated a challenging part of the tournament, defeating two players who had beaten her in major matches in 2024. She got her revenge against Caroline Garcia, who had beaten her in the Australian Open’s first round. Then she came back to win against Karolina Muchova, who had knocked her out in the second round of last year’s US Open. Belinda's gesture for Osaka Swiss tennis player Belinda Bencic made a heartfelt gesture after Naomi Osaka retired midway from her Round 3 match of the women’s singles on Friday (January 17) at the Australian Open 2024. After losing the first set 6-7 (3-7), Osaka failed to continue despite being treated by the physiotherapist. After getting the walkover and making her way to the pre-quarters, Bencic signed the camera with a message, “Get well soon mama”. (with inputs from agencies)

Australian Open 2025: Naomi Osaka withdraws after sustaining injury

<p>Naomi Osaka said on Monday she was struggling to keep focused at the Australian Open with the deadly and massive wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles "three blocks" from her house.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>The two-time Melbourne champion defeated France's Caroline Garcia 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round and afterwards said: "I was watching the fire map and the fire is three blocks from my house. I had someone go get my daughter's birth certificate."<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>The 27-year-old former world number one, who has a young daughter named Shai, represents Japan but lives in Los Angeles.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-djokovic-news-novak-djokovic-wins-vs-nishesh-basavareddy-australian-open-2025-result-today-8618996" rel="dofollow">Australian Open 2025: 'I enjoyed it,' says Novak Djokovic on first win with coach Andy Murray</a></strong></p>
<p>After setting up a second-round meeting at Melbourne Park with Czech 20th seed Karolina Muchova, Osaka said "honestly I don't think I've been doing the greatest keeping focus".<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>"It is really difficult for me because, I don't know, I think it's tougher now because I find now my home is more of a home because I have memories with my daughter.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>"There's so many things, keepsakes and stuff like that. Obviously you can't hoard them all when you're asking them to go to your house and just grab stuff. So it is really tough in that sense."<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>At least 24 people have been killed in the blazes that have ripped through the United States' second-largest city for the past week.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Whole communities have been scorched to rubble and thousands left without homes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Osaka said everyone in her family was safe but she is "checking the wildfire map any chance that I get just to see what's happening".<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I also feel like in a way it's tough because I don't think I'll go back to L.A immediately after. I don't feel like it's safe enough to go back there," she said. "It's kind of a little bit in a limbo, but also motivating me to hopefully stay here as long as I can."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong><span>&nbsp;</span>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience</em></p>

Sports, Tennis: After first round, Osaka said, "I was watching the fire map and the fire is three blocks from my house. I had someone go get my daughter's birth certificate."

Naomi Osaka said on Monday she was struggling to keep focused at the Australian Open with the deadly and massive wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles "three blocks" from her house. The two-time Melbourne champion defeated France's Caroline Garcia 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round and afterwards said: "I was watching the fire map and the fire is three blocks from my house. I had someone go get my daughter's birth certificate." The 27-year-old former world number one, who has a young daughter named Shai, represents Japan but lives in Los Angeles. Also read | Australian Open 2025: 'I enjoyed it,' says Novak Djokovic on first win with coach Andy Murray After setting up a second-round meeting at Melbourne Park with Czech 20th seed Karolina Muchova, Osaka said "honestly I don't think I've been doing the greatest keeping focus". "It is really difficult for me because, I don't know, I think it's tougher now because I find now my home is more of a home because I have memories with my daughter. "There's so many things, keepsakes and stuff like that. Obviously you can't hoard them all when you're asking them to go to your house and just grab stuff. So it is really tough in that sense." At least 24 people have been killed in the blazes that have ripped through the United States' second-largest city for the past week. Whole communities have been scorched to rubble and thousands left without homes. Osaka said everyone in her family was safe but she is "checking the wildfire map any chance that I get just to see what's happening". "I also feel like in a way it's tough because I don't think I'll go back to L.A immediately after. I don't feel like it's safe enough to go back there," she said. "It's kind of a little bit in a limbo, but also motivating me to hopefully stay here as long as I can." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience

Australian Open 2025: Naomi Osaka stays focused amid LA wildfire scare

<p>Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka says she and her American rapper boyfriend Cordae have split up just days ahead of the Australian Open.</p>
<p>The couple have been together since 2019 and share a young daughter, Shai.</p>
<p>"Hi everyone, just wanted to say that Cordae and I are no longer in a relationship," the four-time Grand Slam champion wrote on Instagram late Monday.</p>
<p>"No bad blood at all, he's a great person and an awesome dad.</p>
<p>"Honestly really glad our paths crossed because my daughter is my biggest blessing and I was able to grow a lot from our experiences together."</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-trophy-2025-british-politicians-urge-england-to-boycott-afghanistan-clash-8597391" aria-label="Champions Trophy 2025: British politicians urge England to boycott Afghanistan clash" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Champions Trophy 2025: British politicians urge England to boycott Afghanistan clash</a></strong></p>
<p>She ended the post with a red heart emoji, without saying when they parted ways.</p>
<p>Osaka reached her first WTA final since 2022 at the Auckland Classic over the weekend.</p>
<p>But she pulled out with an abdominal injury after taking the opening set 6-4.</p>
<p>The 27-year-old was not thought to be badly hurt, with the Australian Open starting on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong><span>&nbsp;</span>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>

Sports, Tennis: Naomi Osaka reached her first WTA final since 2022 at the Auckland Classic over the weekend, but pulled out with an abdominal injury after taking the opening set. 

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka says she and her American rapper boyfriend Cordae have split up just days ahead of the Australian Open. The couple have been together since 2019 and share a young daughter, Shai. "Hi everyone, just wanted to say that Cordae and I are no longer in a relationship," the four-time Grand Slam champion wrote on Instagram late Monday. "No bad blood at all, he's a great person and an awesome dad. "Honestly really glad our paths crossed because my daughter is my biggest blessing and I was able to grow a lot from our experiences together." ALSO READ | Champions Trophy 2025: British politicians urge England to boycott Afghanistan clash She ended the post with a red heart emoji, without saying when they parted ways. Osaka reached her first WTA final since 2022 at the Auckland Classic over the weekend. But she pulled out with an abdominal injury after taking the opening set 6-4. The 27-year-old was not thought to be badly hurt, with the Australian Open starting on Sunday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Naomi Osaka splits with rapper Cordae ahead of Australian Open

<p>Former world number one Naomi Osaka reached her first semi-final since 2022 after fighting back at the Auckland Classic on Friday (Jan 3). The four-time Grand Slam champion beat unseeded American Hailey Baptiste 6-7 (2/7), 6-1, 6-2 in another confidence boost ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne.<o:p></o:p></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5g9qqnf-g3fuxqkh-kz7hg28x">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Osaka to the semis 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@naomiosaka</a> battles back to defeat Baptiste 6-7, 6-1, 6-2 and reaches the semifinals in Auckland.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASBClassic25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASBClassic25</a> <a href="https://t.co/wqWZE5SMqL">pic.twitter.com/wqWZE5SMqL</a></p>
&mdash; wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1875018573363503530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>Osaka said her hard work was starting to pay off after booking a place in the final four of a WTA event for the first time since the Miami Open in April 2022.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>The Japan star gave birth to daughter Shai in July the following year, midway through a 15-month break, before returning to the tour 12 months ago.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brisbane-international-novak-djokovic-aryna-sabalenka-into-quarters-as-rising-stars-impress-8586371" rel="dofollow">Brisbane International: Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka into quarters as rising stars impress</a></strong></p>
<p>"I put a lot of work in throughout last year and even though the results didn't show it, I'm just continuing to try as hard as I can to see where it gets me," the 57th-ranked star said.</p>
<p>"The key focus again today was just to have a lot of belief and confidence in myself."<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>As with her first two matches in Auckland, the 27-year-old lacked rhythm in the opening set.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>But she unearthed a powerful serving game over the next two sets, ending with nine aces to give her 21 for the tournament.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>World number 92 Baptiste sought treatment for an ankle injury during the second set.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, admitted that helped her cause.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>"She's an amazing player, it sucks that she was injured but I think we played a really high-quality match," said Osaka, who is seeded seventh in Auckland.</p>
<p>"In a weird way, I'm glad to play a three-set match because I think that's the kind of experience that I need."<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Osaka's semi-final opponent will come from the winner of a quarter-final later on Friday between eighth seed Katie Volynets and unseeded American compatriot Alycia Parks.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong><span>&nbsp;</span>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>

Naomi Osaka said her hard work was starting to pay off after booking a place in the final four of a WTA event for the first time since the Miami Open in April 2022.

Former world number one Naomi Osaka reached her first semi-final since 2022 after fighting back at the Auckland Classic on Friday (Jan 3). The four-time Grand Slam champion beat unseeded American Hailey Baptiste 6-7 (2/7), 6-1, 6-2 in another confidence boost ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Osaka to the semis 🤩@naomiosaka battles back to defeat Baptiste 6-7, 6-1, 6-2 and reaches the semifinals in Auckland.#ASBClassic25 pic.twitter.com/wqWZE5SMqL — wta (@WTA) January 3, 2025 Osaka said her hard work was starting to pay off after booking a place in the final four of a WTA event for the first time since the Miami Open in April 2022. The Japan star gave birth to daughter Shai in July the following year, midway through a 15-month break, before returning to the tour 12 months ago. Also read | Brisbane International: Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka into quarters as rising stars impress "I put a lot of work in throughout last year and even though the results didn't show it, I'm just continuing to try as hard as I can to see where it gets me," the 57th-ranked star said. "The key focus again today was just to have a lot of belief and confidence in myself." As with her first two matches in Auckland, the 27-year-old lacked rhythm in the opening set. But she unearthed a powerful serving game over the next two sets, ending with nine aces to give her 21 for the tournament. World number 92 Baptiste sought treatment for an ankle injury during the second set. Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, admitted that helped her cause. "She's an amazing player, it sucks that she was injured but I think we played a really high-quality match," said Osaka, who is seeded seventh in Auckland. "In a weird way, I'm glad to play a three-set match because I think that's the kind of experience that I need." Osaka's semi-final opponent will come from the winner of a quarter-final later on Friday between eighth seed Katie Volynets and unseeded American compatriot Alycia Parks. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tennis: Osaka reaches first semis since comeback at Auckland Open

<p>Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka pulled out of her home Japan Open next week because of an injury that caused her to retire from the China Open in Beijing. "Due to injury, Naomi Osaka will not participate" in the WTA 250 tournament in the city of Osaka from October 14-20, the Japan Tennis Association said in a statement on Monday.</p>

<p>The 26-year-old former world number one looked in good touch as she recorded three wins at the China Open in Beijing last week. But in her last-16 match, against eventual champion Coco Gauff, Osaka retired at the end of the second set because of a back injury.</p>

<p>"So I locked my back up during practice earlier and honestly wasn't sure if I could even play but I just wanted to try," she said on social media. "Unfortunately, things just got progressively worse during the match."</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-world-number-seven-taylor-fritz-wins-delayed-match-to-reach-shanghai-masters-third-round-765101">World number seven Taylor Fritz wins delayed match to reach Shanghai Masters third round</a></strong></p>

<p>Osaka's last WTA tournament appearance in her home country was a fleeting one, two years ago at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.&nbsp; She won a first-round match after one game when opponent Daria Saville retired.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Osaka then withdrew with abdominal pains before her second-round match. It was her last tournament before taking leave to give birth to her daughter Shai in July 2023.&nbsp;Osaka returned to the tour in January this year but has struggled to recapture the form that saw her win two Australian and two US Opens between 2018 and 2021.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong>&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka pulled out of her home Japan Open next week because of an injury that caused her to retire from the China Open in Beijing.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka pulled out of her home Japan Open next week because of an injury that caused her to retire from the China Open in Beijing. "Due to injury, Naomi Osaka will not participate" in the WTA 250 tournament in the city of Osaka from October 14-20, the Japan Tennis Association said in a statement on Monday. The 26-year-old former world number one looked in good touch as she recorded three wins at the China Open in Beijing last week. But in her last-16 match, against eventual champion Coco Gauff, Osaka retired at the end of the second set because of a back injury. "So I locked my back up during practice earlier and honestly wasn't sure if I could even play but I just wanted to try," she said on social media. "Unfortunately, things just got progressively worse during the match." Also read: World number seven Taylor Fritz wins delayed match to reach Shanghai Masters third round Osaka's last WTA tournament appearance in her home country was a fleeting one, two years ago at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. She won a first-round match after one game when opponent Daria Saville retired. Osaka then withdrew with abdominal pains before her second-round match. It was her last tournament before taking leave to give birth to her daughter Shai in July 2023. Osaka returned to the tour in January this year but has struggled to recapture the form that saw her win two Australian and two US Opens between 2018 and 2021. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Naomi Osaka pulls out of Japan Open due to back injury

<p>Naomi Osaka is hopeful that her stint with new coach Patrick Mouratoglou will develop into a long-term partnership, the four-times Grand Slam champion said on Wednesday after easing into the second round of the China Open. The 26-year-old split with coach Wim Fissette earlier this month after four years together across two stints and arrived in Beijing this week with Mouratoglou, who previously guided her idol Serena Williams to 10 of her 23 major titles.</p>

<p>Former world number one Osaka is looking to reignite her career following a patchy run of form having returned to the tour nine months ago after a long maternity break. "I'm calling him my coach right now. I didn't know there was a lot of interest in my players box. I'd say he's my coach right now," Osaka said after beating Lucia Bronzetti 6-3 6-2 in her first match under Mouratoglou.</p>

<p>"I try not to get into relationships with people for the short-term. I try to think of it as a long-term commitment. I like the way he coaches. "I think it's going to be really interesting."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-carlos-alcaraz-says-a-lot-of-players-agree-after-his-schedule-kill-us-remark-goes-viral-761783">Carlos Alcaraz says 'a lot of players' agree after his schedule 'kill us' remark goes viral</a></strong></p>

<p>Osaka said she was initially hesitant to approach Frenchman Mouratoglou, who has also worked with Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Simona Halep and Holger Rune among others.</p>

<p>"The fact that he was Serena's coach made me want to avoid him just because his persona is so big. This isn't rude because I found out it's not true, but I didn't know ... I didn't know if he was a good coach or he coached Serena," Osaka said. "Then I met him, talked to him, worked with him on the court. He absolutely is a really good coach. I'm really glad that he's taking this project on, as well.</p>

<p>"I would say I'm still a little nervous around him. I look to the floor when he looks at me. I think I do need a lot more time to spend together with him. I'm getting a little more comfortable day by day."</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:&nbsp;</strong>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Naomi Osaka is hopeful that her stint with new coach Patrick Mouratoglou will develop into a long-term partnership, the four-times Grand Slam champion said on Wednesday after easing into the second round of the China Open.

Naomi Osaka is hopeful that her stint with new coach Patrick Mouratoglou will develop into a long-term partnership, the four-times Grand Slam champion said on Wednesday after easing into the second round of the China Open. The 26-year-old split with coach Wim Fissette earlier this month after four years together across two stints and arrived in Beijing this week with Mouratoglou, who previously guided her idol Serena Williams to 10 of her 23 major titles. Former world number one Osaka is looking to reignite her career following a patchy run of form having returned to the tour nine months ago after a long maternity break. "I'm calling him my coach right now. I didn't know there was a lot of interest in my players box. I'd say he's my coach right now," Osaka said after beating Lucia Bronzetti 6-3 6-2 in her first match under Mouratoglou. "I try not to get into relationships with people for the short-term. I try to think of it as a long-term commitment. I like the way he coaches. "I think it's going to be really interesting." Also read: Carlos Alcaraz says 'a lot of players' agree after his schedule 'kill us' remark goes viral Osaka said she was initially hesitant to approach Frenchman Mouratoglou, who has also worked with Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Simona Halep and Holger Rune among others. "The fact that he was Serena's coach made me want to avoid him just because his persona is so big. This isn't rude because I found out it's not true, but I didn't know ... I didn't know if he was a good coach or he coached Serena," Osaka said. "Then I met him, talked to him, worked with him on the court. He absolutely is a really good coach. I'm really glad that he's taking this project on, as well. "I would say I'm still a little nervous around him. I look to the floor when he looks at me. I think I do need a lot more time to spend together with him. I'm getting a little more comfortable day by day." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Japan's Naomi Osaka eyes long-term partnership with new coach Patrick Mouratoglou

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