Naomi Osaka defeats Elise Mertens as US Open broadcast faces criticism
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 8:52 AM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026
Naomi Osaka secured a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Elise Mertens in the third round of the US Open on September 5, 2026. The match, which spanned two hours and 38 minutes, saw Osaka overcome a break deficit in the final set after receiving medical treatment for a leg injury. During the broadcast, ESPN faced scrutiny from viewers and journalists for its decision to prioritize coverage of the Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic match. Criticism intensified as commentators speculated about the mental health of Osaka, prompting complaints from the audience regarding the professional quality of the coverage. Mary Carillo also drew public pushback regarding her commentary during the event. Osaka advances to the fourth round, where she is scheduled to compete against Elena Rybakina.
- •Naomi Osaka defeated Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 in the US Open third round.
- •Viewers criticized ESPN for focusing on the match between Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic.
- •Commentators faced backlash for speculating about Osaka’s mental health during the broadcast.
- •Osaka next faces Elena Rybakina in the fourth round of the tournament.
- 8:52 AMYahoo Sports — “Unprofessional” – Naomi Osaka Fans Furious After US Open Commentators Allegedly Speculate On Her Mental Health On-Air
- 8:33 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Unprofessional’ Naomi Osaka Coverage Sparks Fury As Tennis World Slams ‘Mental Health Issue’ Remark at US Open
"The tennis community expressed support for Naomi Osaka after commentators during her third-round match at the US Open allegedly started speculating about her mental health status following a brief dip in her performance. Osaka faced Elise Mertens on Saturday, and after a grueling late-night battle, ousted the Belgian 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to advance to the fourth round.
"Naomi Osaka battled past Elise Mertens in a tense third-round clash at the US Open, staging a stellar comeback to stave off a major upset. Although Osaka won praise for her impressive victory, the match also earned backlash for its coverage, with tennis fans and journalists voicing their frustration over the broadcast.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 6, 2026, 8:52 AM“Unprofessional” – Naomi Osaka Fans Furious After US Open Commentators Allegedly Speculate On Her Mental Health On-Air
The tennis community expressed support for Naomi Osaka after commentators during her third-round match at the US Open allegedly started speculating about her mental health status following a brief dip in her performance. Osaka faced Elise Mertens on Saturday, and after a grueling late-night battle, ousted the Belgian 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to advance to the fourth round.
- Yahoo SportsSep 6, 2026, 8:33 AM‘Unprofessional’ Naomi Osaka Coverage Sparks Fury As Tennis World Slams ‘Mental Health Issue’ Remark at US Open
Naomi Osaka battled past Elise Mertens in a tense third-round clash at the US Open, staging a stellar comeback to stave off a major upset. Although Osaka won praise for her impressive victory, the match also earned backlash for its coverage, with tennis fans and journalists voicing their frustration over the broadcast.
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