Naomi Osaka Jokes About Catching Leylah Fernandez 'Off Guard' in Toronto Showdown After 'Really Bad' Display Naomi Osaka has expressed her anticipation for a highly anticipated fourth-round clash against Leylah Fernandez at the 2026 Canadian Open in Toronto. The Japanese star, seeded 11th, will face the Canadian player, who is ranked 20th, in a match that marks their third tour-level encounter. Osaka reflected on their rivalry during a post-match press conference following her third-round victory over Elise Mertens, highlighting her surprise at the limited number of times they have faced each other despite their frequent practice sessions. Osaka’s recent performance at the tournament has been dominant, with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Panna Udvardy in the second round and a swift 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mertens in the third round. The former world No. 1 emphasized her respect for Fernandez’s resilience and fighting spirit, noting that the Canadian’s left-handed playstyle presents a unique challenge. “She’s lefty, and there aren’t many lefties on tour, so it takes me a while to get used to that,” Osaka said. “I’ve never seen her down. She always keeps fighting. I really appreciate that about her.” The rivalry between Osaka and Fernandez has been marked by contrasting results. In their first meeting at the 2021 US Open, Fernandez secured a 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-4 victory. However, Osaka reversed the outcome at the Wuhan Open in 2025, defeating Fernandez 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. Ahead of their rematch in Toronto, Osaka humorously addressed their recent practice session at the Mubadala DC Open, where she admitted to playing “really bad.” She joked that she hoped to catch Fernandez off guard by mimicking her poor performance, though she dismissed the idea of taking the practice session seriously.#elise_mertens #leylah_fernandez #naomi_osaka #mubadala_dc_open #canadian_open
Alexandra Eala Advances to Washington Open Final with Victory Over Naomi Osaka Alexandra Eala made history by defeating world No. 1 Naomi Osaka in straight sets at the Washington Open, securing her place in the final against top-ranked Jessica Pegula. The 21-year-old Filipina, who began the year outside the world’s top 50, now holds a career-high ranking of 24th after her commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory. The win marks her first WTA Tour title and cements her status as a rising star in women’s tennis. Eala’s path to the final was marked by a series of high-profile victories. She defeated second seed Elina Svitolina and 2025 champion Leylah Fernandez in the earlier rounds before overcoming Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion. The match showcased Eala’s improved serve and mental toughness, as she won 71% of first-serve points and limited Osaka to just four points behind her second serve. “I’m more well-rounded now. I’m physically a little bit better,” Eala said after the match, emphasizing her growth since her last encounter with Osaka. The 2025 champion, Osaka, had previously defeated Eala in a tight Miami Open semi-final last year, but the Filipina has since evolved her game. Her performance in Washington reflects her progress, particularly on her serve, which has become a key weapon. Eala’s victory also highlights her role in expanding the global reach of women’s tennis, as she becomes the first singles player from the Philippines to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam in the Open era. Her Wimbledon run in 2025, where she reached the quarterfinals, had already sparked a passionate fanbase, and her Washington Open success is likely to further elevate her profile. The final against Pegula, the world No. 3, promises to be a thrilling clash.#alexandra_eala #philippines #jessica_pegula #naomi_osaka #washington_open
Alex Eala topples Naomi Osaka, sets up clash against Jessica Pegula Alex Eala of the Philippines defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, 6-4, 6-2, in the Mubadala DC Open semifinals, securing her first WTA 500 final and a potential maiden WTA singles title. The victory, achieved in Washington, D.C., on Sunday morning (Philippine time), marks a historic milestone for Eala, who previously fell short in the 2025 Eastbourne Open. Now, the 21-year-old faces a showdown against world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the final, needing just one more win to become the first Filipina to claim a WTA singles title. The match showcased Eala’s composure and tactical precision, as she outmaneuvered Osaka, a former world No. 1, in a tightly contested semifinal. The first set saw both players trade service games, with Eala breaking Osaka’s serve in the third game to take an early 2-1 lead. Osaka responded swiftly, breaking back after converting her fourth break-point opportunity, despite Eala saving the first three. The Japanese star then held serve to reclaim the advantage, 3-2. Eala regained control in the ninth game, dictating rallies with aggressive play off both wings to force another service break. She followed up by serving out the set, capitalizing on her cleaner ball-striking. The Filipina’s efficiency was evident in the first set, committing just 10 unforced errors compared to Osaka’s 18. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Eala breaking Osaka’s serve early to take a 2-0 lead. After both players held serve in the next two games, Eala extended her dominance, earning four break points in the fifth game. Osaka, however, saved each chance to hold and narrow the deficit to 3-2. Eala refused to let the missed opportunities linger, holding serve with authority before intensifying her return game.#alex_eala #philippines #jessica_pegula #naomi_osaka #mubadala_dc_open
Naomi Osaka Makes History at Wimbledon 2026 with Fourth-Round Breakthrough Naomi Osaka secured a historic victory at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, defeating Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-3 in the third round to reach the fourth round for the first time in her career. The Japanese star delivered a commanding performance on grass, showcasing her explosive serving and aggressive baseline play to overpower the Australian opponent. Osaka controlled the match from the outset, preventing Kasatkina from settling into a rhythm, and wrapped up the victory in straight sets. The win marks a significant milestone in Osaka’s resurgence and keeps her hopes alive for a maiden Wimbledon title as she advances to the second week of the tournament. The match took place on Court 1 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Friday, July 3, 2026. Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, entered the third round in impressive form after defeating Elsa Jacquemot and Anastasia Gasanova in straight sets. Her powerful serve and aggressive style proved effective, allowing her to breeze through the opening two rounds. Facing Kasatkina, a tactically astute player known for her variety and court coverage, Osaka aimed to continue her strong run at Wimbledon. Kasatkina, seeded 14th, had progressed through the tournament with her consistency and ability to frustrate big hitters. However, Osaka’s dominance was evident from the start. In the first set, Osaka raced to a 2-0 lead and maintained control, sealing the set with a minimum of errors. Her serve was nearly unreturnable, with an ace sealing a 3-0 lead early in the set. By the end of the first set, Osaka had won 11 points on her serve, dropping just five points total.#daria_kasatkina #naomi_osaka #wimbledon_2026 #all_england_lawn_tennis_and_croquet_club #court_1
Naomi Osaka Wows Wimbledon Crowd with Kimono-Inspired Outfit Naomi Osaka made a striking entrance on the opening day of Wimbledon 2026, dazzling spectators in a floor-length, ruffled gown inspired by traditional Japanese ceremonial dress. The 28-year-old tennis star, known for her bold fashion choices, opted for a white ensemble adorned with embroidered cranes and cherry blossoms, designed in collaboration with Tokyo-based designer Hana Yagi. The outfit, which also included a traditional kanzashi hair ornament, drew widespread attention as fans queued early to catch a glimpse of the Japanese player’s dramatic walk to the court. Osaka’s choice was rooted in her cultural heritage and a personal fascination with Japanese aesthetics. She explained that Wimbledon’s emphasis on tradition inspired her to reflect on her roots, stating, “I think about the most iconic silhouette, which for me is a kimono. You don’t have to see the colour of a kimono to know that it is a kimono.” She also cited Lucy Liu’s character in Kill Bill as a key muse, describing the all-white kimono as a “cool and amazing” influence. “It was like my interpretation of that while also paying a lot of respect and love to Japan,” she added. The designer, Hana Yagi, described the garment as a “moment before performance,” blending ceremony and competition. The outfit’s design was meant to symbolize the transition from the ceremonial walk-on to the athletic competition, with the white dress representing both the cultural heritage and the athlete’s readiness. Osaka’s outfit, which featured seven 3D flowers with bejeweled centers, sold out within hours of its release. She also noted that her choice had sparked curiosity among fellow players, with some locker room questions about her bold fashion statement.#emma_raducanu #naomi_osaka #all_england_lawn_tennis_club #wimbledon_2026 #hana_yagi
Tennis Fashion and the Evolution of Style on the Court As Wimbledon kicked off in early July 2026, Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka made headlines with her dramatic entrance, donning an elaborate robe designed by Tokyo-based fashion house Hana Yagi. The garment, crafted from vintage kimonos and bridal gowns, was intended to be swiftly removed to reveal her game-ready Nike tennis outfit. Yagi described the piece as a “moment before performance,” blending ceremonial tradition with athletic practicality. Osaka echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how fashion serves as a storytelling medium for athletes. This moment marked a continuation of a long-standing trend in tennis fashion, where players have historically leveraged their on-court appearances to express individuality. Serena Williams, for instance, made her return to Grand Slam tournaments at age 44 in a sleek, no-frills ensemble by Nike—a white top, skirt, and windbreaker with eyelets for a breezy yet professional look. Her outfit, while less ostentatious than Osaka’s, reflected the sport’s evolving relationship with style. The fascination with tennis fashion gained renewed attention following Osaka’s high-profile entrance at the French Open in May 2026. Critics speculated whether this signaled a shift in the sport’s traditionally conservative dress codes, such as Wimbledon’s all-white requirement. However, the article argues that tennis has always been deeply entwined with fashion. Early 20th-century players like Suzanne Lenglen and Helen Wills collaborated with Parisian designers to create on-court looks, while men like René Lacoste drew inspiration from traditional Aran knits and football innovations to develop the iconic tennis sweater. Men, too, embraced fashion on the court.#wimbledon #serena_williams #naomi_osaka #suzanne_lenglen #hana_yagi
Wimbledon 2026: Djokovic and Osaka Dominate Early Rounds as Top Seeds Advance The fifth day of Wimbledon 2026 saw top seeds Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka secure victories in their third-round matches, while other high-profile players advanced in the men’s and women’s draws. Djokovic, the world number one, faced French 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech on Centre Court, while Osaka, the defending champion, defeated Russian 14th seed Daria Kasatkina in a one-sided encounter. The results highlighted Djokovic’s enduring dominance on grass and Osaka’s tactical precision, as well as the challenges faced by younger players in the tournament. Djokovic’s match against Rinderknech began with the Serbian star in commanding form, serving consistently and dictating play from the baseline. The 39-year-old seven-time Wimbledon champion, who had already defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the previous round, maintained his composure despite Rinderknech’s aggressive baseline rallies. Djokovic’s ability to neutralize his opponent’s power and exploit gaps in his positioning was evident, as he moved to within one set of the record for most singles match wins at Wimbledon. A potential victory would tie him with Roger Federer for the men’s Open-era record of 105 wins, though Martina Navratilova remains the all-time leader with 120. Osaka’s match against Kasatkina was even more one-sided, with the American 14th seed dismantling her opponent in straight sets. Osaka’s first-serve percentage of 79% and her ability to dictate rallies from the baseline were key factors in her dominance. Analysts praised her tactical approach, noting her aggressive net play and ability to force errors from Kasatkina, who struggled to adapt to Osaka’s pace. Osaka’s performance rating of 9.#novak_djokovic #arthur_rinderknech #daria_kasatkina #naomi_osaka #wimbledon_2026
Naomi Osaka Wears Custom Hana Yagi Look in Tribute to Japanese Heritage at Wimbledon Naomi Osaka made a striking entrance at Wimbledon 2026, arriving on the grass court in a floor-length, all-white outfit designed by Japanese fashion house Hana Yagi. The look, titled “Evolving Ceremony,” was inspired by traditional Japanese ceremonial attire, specifically the silhouette of a kimono and the jūnihitoe, a 12-layer garment historically worn by noblewomen during Japan’s Heian period (794–1185). The design also drew from modern interpretations, such as the jūnihitoe gowns worn by Empress Michiko and Empress Masako during their enthronement ceremonies. Osaka’s outfit was a tribute to her Japanese heritage, blending historical elements with contemporary craftsmanship. The gown, constructed from vintage kimonos, a traditional shiromuku bridal kimono, and a deconstructed western-style wedding dress, featured intricate details that paid homage to Japanese culture. Osaka accessorized with jewelry from Mikimoto, a renowned Japanese pearl house, to further emphasize the connection to her roots. Her creative director, Marty Harper, explained that the look was designed to highlight the unique role of ceremony in sports, stating, “We wanted to acknowledge that while creating a dialogue with Japanese ceremonial dress.” The piece was also functional for competition, with a custom Nike performance dress underneath. This innerwear included floral appliqués and a micro-pleated hem inspired by kirigami, a traditional paper-cutting and folding artform. The Nike dress also featured an adjustable 10-foot train, ensuring both elegance and practicality for movement on the court.#wimbledon #naomi_osaka #hana_yagi #mikimoto #marty_harper
Sabalenka Advances to French Open Quarterfinals with Dominant Win Over Osaka PARIS -- Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the French Open quarterfinals with a decisive 7-5, 6-3 victory over Naomi Osaka on Monday, marking a significant step toward her quest for the first clay-court Grand Slam title. The match, the first women’s night match at Roland Garros in three years, highlighted the growing interest in expanding the tournament’s evening schedule. Sabalenka’s win not only improved her career record against Osaka to 3-1 but also brought her closer to ending a year-long wait since her 2024 final loss to Coco Gauff. The match unfolded under unique circumstances, with Osaka making a striking fashion statement by wearing a golden bomber jacket over her gold sequin playing dress, which featured a tiered train with puffs of tulle. Sabalenka, in contrast, opted for more traditional tennis attire, donning a slightly sheer black flared dress with a red underlayer and diamond necklaces. The contrast in outfits underscored the personalities of the two players, with Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline play proving decisive. From the outset, Sabalenka dominated the rally, leveraging her powerful forehand to control the points. Her breakthrough came on the first match point, where she hit a massive forehand return winner that Osaka barely managed to reach. The 1 hour, 27-minute match showcased Sabalenka’s ability to adapt to the unique challenges of a night match, including the cooler temperatures and the heightened scrutiny of the Roland Garros crowd. The decision to stage the women’s night match sparked debate among tennis fans and officials, with critics arguing that the format could attract broader audiences.#aryna_sabalenka #maja_chwalinska #roland_garros #naomi_osaka #diana_shnaider
Aryna Sabalenka ousts Naomi Osaka to reach French Open quarters again Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, advanced to her fourth consecutive French Open quarterfinal with a decisive 7-5, 6-3 victory over No. 16 seed Naomi Osaka in the first women’s night-session match at Roland Garros in three years. The Belarusian player, who reached the 2025 French Open final but remains without a Grand Slam title, dominated the encounter with 12 aces compared to Osaka’s two, while winning 72.7% of her service points, 90.9% of her net points, and breaking Osaka four times in five opportunities. Sabalenka’s performance was marked by her ability to maintain pressure on Osaka, a player known for her aggressive style. After being broken for the only time in the match at 2-0 in the first set, Sabalenka broke back at 5-5 to seize the set. The second set saw her take control early, holding serve through the first six games before breaking Osaka’s final two service games to seal the win. Osaka, who had previously reached the fourth round of the French Open in 2024, failed to advance past the quarterfinals for the first time in her career. The loss also extended her losing streak against Sabalenka to three matches this season, as the two had not faced since 2018. For Sabalenka, the victory sets up a semifinal clash against Russia’s Diana Shnaider, who defeated the final American in the women’s draw, Madison Keys, in a three-set thriller (6-3, 3-6, 6-0). Shnaider, ranked No. 25, becomes the first player in her career to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal. The 22-year-old had previously reached the fourth round of the 2024 U.S. Open but had struggled to break through to the quarterfinals. This win ended an eight-match losing streak against top-20 opponents and marked a significant milestone in her career.#aryna_sabalenka #maja_chwalinska #madison_keys #naomi_osaka #diana_shnaider
Shnaider Downs Keys for Milestone Moment at Roland-Garros 2026 Diana Shnaider secured her first-ever Grand Slam quarterfinal berth after a hard-fought three-set victory over Madison Keys at Roland-Garros 2026. The world No.23 player, seeded 25th, defeated the former Australian Open 2025 champion 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, marking a significant breakthrough in her career. The win ended Shnaider’s eight-match losing streak against top-20 opponents and propelled her into the last eight, where she will face either world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka or four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka. Shnaider, who had previously reached the fourth round of a major at the 2024 US Open, described the achievement as a “huge moment.” The 22-year-old emphasized the challenge of facing Keys, a player she had previously lost to three times. “I knew what to expect from Madi, she’s such an experienced player, an amazing player,” Shnaider said. “I had to grind for every ball, had to try and put as many balls between the lines. I think I played very smart.” The match unfolded with Shnaider taking control early, capitalizing on Keys’ inconsistency. After a strong start, Keys managed to level the match, but Shnaider’s tactical adjustments and aggressive play proved decisive. A crucial break in the third set, secured with a powerful backhand approach and a decisive forehand, gave her the momentum to clinch the set. “From an immediate break down, Shnaider seized the initiative with a compelling blend of looping, angled shots and power play,” the report noted. Shnaider’s victory was celebrated as a turning point in her career, with the player expressing pride in her performance. “I’m super happy. Me and Madi played three times before and I lost every time,” she said.#aryna_sabalenka #madison_keys #naomi_osaka #diana_shnaider #rolandgarros_2026
French Open 2026: Shnaider Advances to Quarters, Chwalinska Continues Remarkable Run Russian tennis player Diana Shnaider made history by reaching the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time at the French Open 2026. The 25th-seeded player secured her place in the last eight with a three-set victory over American Madison Keys, overcoming the challenge of a second-set deficit to claim a 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 win on Court Suzanne Lenglen. The match, which lasted just 26 minutes in the final set, set up a potential quarterfinal clash against either world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka or two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. Shnaider expressed her elation, stating, “It’s definitely a huge moment for me, I’m super happy. I’m super proud of myself for being in the quarter-finals for the first time.” Keys, the 2025 Australian Open champion, had previously reached the semifinals at Roland Garros but was eliminated in the fourth round this year. Her exit leaves Sabalenka and Osaka as the sole Grand Slam champions remaining in the women’s singles draw. Shnaider’s achievement marks a significant milestone, as her previous best performance at a major tournament was a fourth-round appearance at the 2024 US Open. The Russian’s triumph also highlights her resilience, as she dropped her level in the second set but rebounded decisively in the final set. Meanwhile, Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska continued her extraordinary run at the French Open, advancing to the quarterfinals with a straight-sets victory over French hope Diane Parry. The world No. 114 player, who had only won one match in her previous two Grand Slam appearances, dominated Parry on Court Philippe Chatrier with a 6-3, 6-2 scoreline.#aryna_sabalenka #maja_chwalinska #madison_keys #naomi_osaka #diana_shnaider
Naomi Osaka Reflects on Daughter's Growth and Clay Court Adjustments Amid Madrid Open Run Naomi Osaka continued her campaign at the Madrid Open with a hard-fought victory over Camila Osorio, securing a 6-2, 7-5 win in the second round. The former world number one faced challenges in the second set, falling 2-0 behind before rallying to level the match and eventually clinch the victory. Osaka credited her aggressive approach and improved return game for the win, noting that the clay surface required adjustments in movement and rhythm compared to hard courts. "It felt a little more physical, which was weird because the points weren’t that long," she admitted, emphasizing her focus on adapting to the unique demands of the red clay. The 28-year-old’s performance marked her third-round appearance at the Madrid Open, a milestone she achieved for the second time in her career. Osaka’s path to the tournament included a strategic break from the clay swing following her early exit at the Miami Open, a decision she attributed to prioritizing time with her daughter, Shai. "I prioritised my daughter," she said, explaining how she brought her entire team to North Carolina to practice on green clay before arriving in Madrid a week early. "Tennis-wise, fitness and movement were the priorities. That’s everything on clay." Osaka’s comments on Shai’s development added a personal touch to her tennis journey. "She’s really good—she’s here. Oh my god, she’s growing so fast. She’s even talking back now," Osaka gushed, highlighting the joy of watching her daughter thrive. This shift in focus reflects a broader evolution in her perspective on success. "As I get older, my perspective has changed," she explained.#taylor_townsend #camila_osorio #naomi_osaka #madrid_open #shai
