Naomi Osaka: “It’s Always This Nagging Thing, and It’s Never Really Gone Away” — Two-Time Champ Battles Past Achilles Pain into US Open Last 16
Two-time Flushing Meadows champion Naomi Osaka revealed she is currently managing a persistent left Achilles problem after enduring a grueling three-set battle on Saturday night. The No. 13 seed fought back from a break down in the deciding set to edge Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 inside Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The victory required every ounce of resilience from the Japanese star, who called for a trainer midway through the third set to address pain around her left calf and Achilles. The physical setback follows a right foot injury that forced Osaka to withdraw from the Bad Homburg final in late June just ahead of Wimbledon.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a big injury, but it’s been something that I’ve been dealing with since grass season,” Osaka admitted following her third-round win. “It’s always this nagging thing, and it’s never really gone away.”
Overcoming Hesitation to Turn the Match
Trailing in the final set, Osaka took a medical timeout after holding serve for 3-4. She acknowledged feeling hesitant to stop play due to the mental dynamic it creates against an opponent.
“Honestly, I really hate calling physios during matches, because, aside from the obvious, I feel like it just kind of makes the opponent think you’re injured, and then it’s this whole psychological thing,” Osaka reflected.
“I mean, she rubbed Tiger Balm on it, and I guess that helped,” Osaka added with a smile.
Mindset Shift Key to Late Surge
Beyond the courtside treatment, a crucial shift in tactical aggression swung momentum back in Osaka’s favor. After falling behind a break, she reeled off three straight games to secure victory on her fourth match point, blasting three clean winners in the final game alone.
“In the third set, I was just being really overly critical, and then it got to a point where I was just like, ‘OK, just fight for everything,’” Osaka explained. “See if [Elise] is going to close it out on her terms. Like, I started pushing a lot, because I wanted to see if she had the guts to hit winners and go for it.”
With less than 48 hours to recover, Osaka now prepares for a marquee fourth-round clash against reigning Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, with a spot in the US Open quarterfinals on the line.
