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Osaka Advances to French Open Round of 16, Faces Sabalenka

ESPN General •
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Naomi Osaka stunned 18-year-old Iva Jovic 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-4 in her 100th Grand Slam match, advancing to the French Open round of 16 for the first time in her career. The four-time Grand Slam champion will face top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-0, 7-5. Osaka’s victory marked her deepest run at Roland Garros since withdrawing in 2021 due to mental health struggles, a moment she later described as a “surprise” in her fashion choices.

Her metallic gold bomber jacket and sequined gold dress—designed to mirror the Eiffel Tower—drew attention, with a tannish-gold train extending to the clay court. Osaka emphasized the importance of fun in her game, stating, “For me, it would be weirder to wear a normal tennis kit,” reflecting her return to joy after years of pressure. The hot and humid conditions (93°F forecast) added intensity, with a spectator requiring medical attention during her match.