Naomi Osaka Returns to French Open Third Round After 7-Year Gap

Osaka beats Vekic, sets up clash with teenager Jovic at Roland Garros

The former world No. 1 continued her resurgence with a straight-sets win over Vekic, setting up a Round of 16 push against Iva Jovic.

Naomi Osaka beat Donna Vekic 7-6(1), 6-4 to reach the French Open third round for the first time since 2018 and will face Iva Jovic next...

Naomi Osaka reached the French Open third round for the first time since 2018, defeating Donna Vekic 7-6(1), 6-4 on Thursday.

The four-time Grand Slam winner now faces American teenager Iva Jovic, with both players chasing their first trip to the Round of 16 at Roland Garros.

Winning in style! 📸#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/pSW47X2Jk3

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 28, 2026

Osaka controlled the tiebreak and then grabbed the key break late in the second set to close out No. 72 Donna Vekic.

Since winning the 2021 Australian Open, Osaka has only reached the second week of a major once, during her run to the US Open semifinals last year.

Back in round three for the first time since 2019 👋#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/bnE0hKiAup

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 28, 2026

After stepping away for a year to have her daughter, the former world No. 1 made her return to competition in early 2024.