For a period on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday, it appeared Daria Kasatkina might pull off an improbable upset.
The 15th seed had been blasted off the world’s biggest stadium court by dual-US Open champion Naomi Osaka, who is playing her best tennis since returning to the tour after becoming a mother, in the opening set.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 >
But Kasatkina, who received Australian citizenship in March, flipped the script in the second set against a rival she has never beaten to race to a 4-1 lead before holding on to level the 3rd Rd match.
The resurgence was brief, with Osaka regaining the ascendancy to prevail 6-0 4-6 6-3 in 1hr 44min.
It is another step forward for the former world No.1 and two-time Australian Open champion, who will now play reigning Roland Garros champion Coco Gauff.
It is the first time Osaka has reached the last 16 of a grand slam since returning for the Australian Open last year, but she showed when a finalist in the Canadian Masters earlier in August that she was closer to her best form.
The first set certainly demonstrated this, for Osaka was outstanding as she whipped through it in just over 20 minutes.
But Kasatkina, a former top 10 player who had reached the last 16 in the other three slams this year, has played her best tennis in grand slams and is a tough competitor.
A former Roland Garros semifinalist, she was able to disrupt the hard court specialists rhythm for a period as it turned into a fascinating contest.
Osaka, who lit the Olympic torch at the Tokyo games in 2021, has spent the entirety of her life but has no doubt the crowd will be behind Gauff in their Labor Day clash on Monday.
“It’s kind of tough playing an American here but I hope you guys kind of adopt me as well,” he said.
“I kind of also see her as a little sister so it is cool to be playing her here again.”
Discussion about this post