Naomi Osaka dazzles into French Open round of 16 for first time in storied career

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka dazzled fans not only with her gold-sequined tennis dress but with her play, securing a place in the fourth round at the French Open for the first time in her career after battling through a gripping three-set showdown against American Iva Jovic on Saturday.

The third-round clash on Court Suzanne-Lenglen unfolded over nearly three hours in the sweltering Paris humidity. No. 16 seed Osaka outlasted 17th seed Jovic 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-4, sealing a dramatic victory and breaking a two-decade-long drought for Japanese women’s singles players at the French Open.

Overcome with emotion, Osaka covered her mouth in disbelief and joy as the match was called in her favor. When asked if that was the best match she has played on clay, Osaka answered, “Probably.”

“Today I was a lot calmer than my first few matches. I think in Slams the further I get the calmer I am, because it’s such a privilege to be here,” Osaka said. “I’ve never been to the fourth round of Roland-Garros before – it’s my first time.”

Now, Osaka sets her sights on capturing her first Grand Slam title in five years, her last triumph coming at the 2021 Australian Open. She will face No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka on Monday, with Sabalenka currently leading the head-to-head series 2-1.

More: Hailey Baptiste breaks silence after ‘heartbreaking’ French Open injury

Who does Naomi Osaka play in the French Open fourth round?

Naomi Osaka will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Monday, June 1. The details of the match has yet to be disclosed.

Where to watch the French Open 2026?

Turner Sports will deliver all of the French Open coverage, with TNT and TruTV broadcasting the matches on TV. All matches can also be streamed in full on HBO Max.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Naomi Osaka into French Open round of 16 for first time in career