Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka advance as Iva Jovic ends Alexandra Eala’s US Open run

Coco Gauff advanced to the fourth round of the US Open for the fifth consecutive year, while Naomi Osaka also survived a tense three-set battle to keep her campaign alive. Iva Jovic then capped off a memorable night for the American women by overcoming Alexandra Eal in a marathon clash to set up an All-American meeting with Gauff.

Gauff, the fourth seed and 2023 champion, defeated Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. She didn’t play her cleanest tennis, especially on serve, but she recovered from early setbacks and found another level when the pressure increased.

“I’m happy with how I fought, even though I didn’t play my best,” Gauff said.

The 22-year-old trailed 1-3 in the opening set but responded by taking control from the baseline. In the eighth game, after a lengthy exchange for 21 shots, she broke Bucs again and closed the set. Gauff then produced another crucial break late in the second before sealing the win at the net.

“I feel like I’m used to getting to the second week now,” Gauff said. “I put a lot of pressure on myself last year. I’m enjoying the experience.”

OSAKA WILL WIN IT

Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka continued her comeback in Flushing Meadows with a hard-fought 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 win over 23rd seed Elise Mertens. The Japanese 13th seed advanced to the fourth round after recovering from a breakdown in the deciding set.

Osaka started better, building a 4-1 advantage in the opening set, but Mertens fought back to level the match. The Belgian then looked capable of completing the turnaround before Osaka recovered late in the decider.

“Honestly, I can’t believe I won this match,” Osaka said.

“There was a certain moment when I put my heart on the court and tried every point.

After a medical time-out, Osaka returned to create decisive moments. She fired a big ace at 6-5 before stepping up her forehand game to wrap up the match. She will next face second seed Elena Rybakina.

JOVIC ENDS EAL’S BEST FRIEND’S RUN

Jovic scored the biggest win of her career at the US Open, defeating close friend Alexandra Ealova 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 after three hours and three minutes. The 18-year-old American trailed 2-4 in the final set but fought back to reach the last 16 for the first time in New York.

The result extended Jovic’s perfect 3-0 record against Eale, with her three wins coming on different surfaces. The pair even bonded with their fathers during Fan Week, but the friendship was put on hold once the competition began.

“It felt like a marathon. I felt like I lost my sanity five times to win that match,” Jovic said.

Jovic, a career-high 14th, has now reached the fourth round at all three Grand Slams this season. He will next face Gauff in an All-American showdown.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

06 Sep 2026 10:08 IST