Naomi Osaka survived a tense second-round battle with Katerina Siniakova to keep her US Open campaign alive, recovering from a mid-match collapse to win 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 on Thursday.
The two-time US Open champion looked firmly in control early on at Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking the opening set 6-2 with an aggressive display.
However, the match changed dramatically in the second set. Osaka struggled to maintain her rhythm and began making more unforced errors, giving Siniakova the opportunity to fight back.
The Czech player took advantage of Osaka's mistakes and eventually forced a deciding set by winning the second 7-5. Osaka finished the set with 20 unforced errors after making only four in the opener.
Rather than allowing the setback to derail her, Osaka used the break between sets to reset. She returned to the court with greater focus and immediately put Siniakova under pressure.
Osaka raced into a 3-0 lead and continued to dictate the rallies with powerful groundstrokes. Siniakova had opportunities to get back into the set, including two break points in the fifth game, but Osaka held firm before pulling away.
The Japanese star eventually closed out the deciding set 6-1 to seal her place in the third round.
"I just told myself that it's an honor to play on this court. I just want to keep playing in front of you guys, if possible," Osaka said after the match.
The victory continues a strong Grand Slam season for Osaka. She has now reached at least the third round at all four majors in 2026, a feat she last achieved in 2018.
Her run in New York is also significant given her history at the tournament. Osaka won the US Open in 2018 and 2020 and has enjoyed some of her biggest career moments on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
The 28-year-old will now face Belgium's Elise Mertens in the third round. Mertens, the No. 23 seed, advanced after defeating her second-round opponent in straight sets.
Osaka will be looking to build on the confidence gained from overcoming Siniakova and continue her push for another deep run in New York.
