US Open: Osaka moves past Kasatkina, books round of 16 clash with Gauff

Naomi Osaka beat Daria Kasatkina 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 on Saturday evening. She’ll play American Coco Gauff, the No 3 seed, in the next round

Naomi Osaka, US Open 2025 | © Zuma / PsNewz

Tennis Majors

August 30, 2025

US Open •Third round • Completed

See draw

D. KasatkinavsN. Osaka

Naomi Osaka’s resurgence is definitely on track. The two-time US Open champion, seeded No. 23, advanced to the fourth round of the US Open with a commanding 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 victory over No. 15 seed Daria Kasatkina on Saturday at Louis Armstrong Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

The win sets up a blockbuster Round of 16 clash with American Coco Gauff, the No. 3 seed and 2023 champion. The two share a history, and the highly-anticipated matchup promises to be a battle of two of the tour’s most popular players.

Following her victory, Osaka addressed the crowd, a touch of humor and vulnerability in her voice as she looked ahead to facing Gauff. “Can somebody come to the match and cheer for me because… it’s tough playing an American here,” Osaka said with a laugh. She then added a warm sentiment for her upcoming opponent. “I hope you guys adopted me as well. I see her as a little sister.”

First fourth round since the Australian Open 2021

The win against Kasatkina marks a significant milestone for the Japanese superstar, as it’s her first time reaching the second week of a Grand Slam since she won the Australian Open title in 2021. She let out a deep breath on the match point: the pressure is high, and this reward is especially appreciated after her retirement at the same stage against Belinda Bencic at the Australian Open and her loss to Nastia Pavlyuchenkova at Wimbledon.

Osaka wasted no time in making a statement, delivering a flawless first set that left Kasatkina reeling. The 6-0 scoreline reflected a dominant performance fueled by powerful serving and aggressive groundstrokes. Osaka served four aces and committed only one double fault in the opening set, while Kasatkina struggled with eight double faults and only two winners. Osaka’s high-pressure return game was equally effective, as she broke Kasatkina’s serve three times.

The match shifted dramatically in the second set as Kasatkina found her rhythm. She tightened up her serve and capitalized on a slight dip in Osaka’s level, breaking the former champion’s serve four times to force a decisive third set. The numbers told the story of the set’s tight battle, with Kasatkina converting on 67% of her break point opportunities and Osaka’s break point conversion rate dropping from a near-perfect 78% in the first set.

Osaka seen as a contender

However, Osaka quickly regained her composure. Her serve, a crucial weapon for her no matter when or where, proved the difference-maker. She finished the match with a total of nine aces and only four double faults. Kasatkina, by contrast, struggled with her serve all day, hitting just three aces and a staggering 14 double faults. Osaka’s consistent pressure on Kasatkina’s serve ultimately paid off, as she broke the Australian seven times over the course of the match, while only getting broken four times herself.

For Osaka, this performance signals a powerful return to form on one of her favorite courts. Having won the US Open twice before, in 2018 and 2020, her experience and confidence on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows are undeniable. A runner-up at Toronto earlier this month, she is once again seen as a serious contender by most players.

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