Osaka described herself two years ago as still being a “baby giraffe”, external on the clay but lost a close match to world number one Aryna Sabalenka in three sets in Madrid, before breezing past 19th seed Diana Shnaider 6-1 6-2 in Rome.

The 28-year-old came within touching distance of beating Swiatek when the two met in the second round of the 2024 French Open, holding match point before Swiatek recovered.

After being told she could potentially face Swiatek next, Osaka joked: “Life is a little cruel. Damn. Sabalenka, now Iga.

“For me that’s where I show up. Even though it hasn’t been in my favour the last couple of times, for me those matches are the most fun. I’m excited at the thought.”

World number two Elena Rybakina, the highest-ranked player left in the women’s draw after Sabalenka’s loss on Saturday, beat Alexandra Eala 6-4 6-3 to reach the fourth round.

Fifth seed Jessica Pegula made light work of Swiss qualifier Rebeka Masarova, winning 6-0 6-0 in just over an hour.

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    • Published
      16 August 2025
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