Naomi Osaka Defeats Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to Set Up Elena Rybakina Clash

Naomi Osaka secured a grueling 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Elise Mertens to reach the second week of a third slam event in 2026.

Naomi Osaka advanced to the US Open round of 16 following a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Belgium’s Elise Mertens on Saturday evening. This result marks the first time in Osaka’s career that she has reached the second week of three Grand Slam tournaments within a single calendar year. The former 2018 and 2020 champion, who reached the semifinals in the previous season, now prepares for a Monday matchup against Australian Open winner Elena Rybakina. Osaka enters the contest with a 28-10 record for the current season.

World No. 1 Ranking Stakes

Elena Rybakina faces significant pressure in this upcoming fourth-round encounter, as she will ascend to the world No. 1 ranking for the first time if she reaches the tournament semifinals. To secure the top spot, she must win two more matches, which would allow her to bypass current No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula. While her rivals must also win to deny her the ranking, Rybakina controls her own trajectory. Conversely, Osaka enters the match with the freedom of an underdog, noting that she is not expected to win against the higher-seeded opponent.

Season Consistency and Toronto Rematch

Osaka’s 2026 campaign has been defined by increasing consistency, starting with a third-round appearance at the Australian Open in January. She followed this by reaching the last 16 at Roland Garros and the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. During her run at the All England Club, she defeated Aryna Sabalenka before falling to Karolina Muchova. This resurgence comes two and a half years after Osaka returned to the WTA tour following the birth of her daughter.

The Monday meeting will be the second career match between Osaka and Rybakina. Their only previous encounter occurred recently in Toronto, where Rybakina won a tight three-set battle. Both players utilize similar tactical styles characterized by powerful groundstrokes and significant serves, though Rybakina is credited with more raw power. Osaka emphasized that she must maintain a high service percentage to create opportunities against the world’s elite competition.

Emotional Momentum and New York Atmosphere

Following the three-set win over Mertens, Osaka described the match as emotionally taxing. She stated that her best tennis emerges when she focuses on playing point by point and enjoying the game. The 2026 US Open has seen Osaka gain attention for her walk-on fashion choices alongside her performance on the court.

"I know she's one of the best players in the world, so I have no choice but to come with a high level," Osaka remarked regarding the upcoming challenge. She noted that the recent nature of their Toronto match provides her with a better understanding of Rybakina’s game. The match is expected to take place during the night session, where Osaka typically benefits from the support of the New York crowd. She has historically performed well in rowdy atmospheres, which may serve as a disadvantage for Rybakina as she pursues the top ranking.