Osaka apologises to children after battling through Achilles problem at US Open

Naomi Osaka had to fight through an Achilles problem, frustration and a resurgent Elise Mertens before reaching the US Open fourth round. The Japanese player beat the Belgian 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 on Saturday after receiving a medical timeout late in the match.

Osaka said the issue had continued since the grass-court season. “I wouldn't say it's a huge injury,” she told reporters. “I'd say it's this ongoing problem that I've had since the grass season.” She said the treatment included massaging her leg and taking Tylenol.

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I wouldn't say it's a huge injury. I'd say it's this ongoing problem that I've had since the grass season.

The four-time major champion looked in control after winning the first set under the lights at Louis Armstrong Stadium. She moved 4-1 ahead, but Mertens fought back and levelled the match. In the decider, Osaka made several unforced errors and appeared frustrated as the 23rd seed took the initiative.

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Honestly, I can't believe I won this match.

After the medical timeout, Osaka recovered a break late in the set. She hit a large ace to move 6-5 ahead, then used her forehand to close out the victory. “Honestly, I can't believe I won this match,” she said on court, thanking the crowd for its energy.

Osaka also apologised after throwing her racket. “I didn't play amazing and it was getting me down, sorry about my behaviour, for the little kids watching,” she said. She will meet Elena Rybakina in the next round.

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I didn't play amazing and it was getting me down, sorry about my behaviour, for the little kids watching.