Osaka's Wimbledon Momentum
Naomi Osaka Continues Strong Wimbledon Campaign, Advances to Third Round with Impressive Win
Key Points
Osaka arrived on Court Two in a toned-down version of her 'Kill Bill' outfit, complete with a decorative sash, a long train and a bomber jacket, and she highlighted that the match mattered for her daughter's birthday by saying, "Tomorrow is my daughter's (third) birthday)."
Osaka's next-round path was laid out as a clash against either Australian Daria Kasatkina or Indonesian Janice Tjen in the third round, keeping her on track for a spot in the second week.
Day three at the All England Club was played under bright, sunny skies with temperatures around 22°C, setting a favorable backdrop for the early rounds.
In doubles, Dan Evans and Henry Searle saved a match point against Hugo Nys and Edouard Roger-Vasselin before being edged out by the more experienced pairing.
Jelena Ostapenko’s performance contrasted with Osaka’s by blasting 34 winners and converting six of eight break-point chances in her 6-2, 6-0 win over Antonia Ruzic, underscoring the day’s momentum across women’s singles.
Naomi Osaka powered into the Wimbledon third round on July 1, beating Anastasia Gasanova 6-3, 6-2 in just 68 minutes on Court No. 2. She hit eight aces and faced zero break points — a near-flawless performance that Yahoo Sports called a statement win in her grass-court comeback.
The result also made history. Osaka became one of only five active players over age 28 to reach the third round of the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon in the same calendar year, according to Yahoo Sports.
Osaka's Serve Dominates on Slick Wimbledon Grass
Osaka won 82% of her first-serve points and made zero double faults. The low, skidding bounce of Wimbledon's grass suits her flatter serve more than ever before. ESPN analyst Rennae Stubbs put it plainly: "When she's hitting 8 aces and facing zero break points, she's not just winning — she's dictating the terms of the entire tournament."
Osaka finished with 24 winners against just 12 unforced errors. Gasanova, ranked 225th in the world, had no answer for the pace and placement. The match was over in under 70 minutes, leaving Osaka fresh and confident heading into the next round.
A 'Kill Bill' Outfit and a Daughter's Birthday
Off the court, Osaka turned heads with a bold look. She wore a toned-down version of her "Kill Bill" outfit — featuring a decorative sash, a long train, and a bomber jacket. Impartial Reporter noted the design drew on her Japanese heritage. Some traditionalists grumbled it pushed Wimbledon's famous all-white dress code.
After the win, Osaka explained her extra motivation. "Tomorrow is my daughter's third birthday," she said in her post-match press conference. "I wanted to make sure I was in a good mood to celebrate properly." Her daughter, Shai, was born in July 2023 — just three years ago.
Ostapenko's 34 Winners Signal a Power-Hitting Day
While Osaka was clinical, Jelena Ostapenko was explosive. The 13th seed crushed Antonia Ruzic 6-2, 6-0 in under 55 minutes. She blasted 34 winners and converted six of eight break points. It was one of the most one-sided wins of the early rounds.
The contrast between the two women was striking. Osaka controlled rallies with precision. Ostapenko overwhelmed her opponent with raw power. If the two meet later in the draw, it sets up one of the most anticipated clashes of the second week.
What's Next: Third Round and a British Doubles Exit
Osaka's next match will be against either Daria Kasatkina of Australia or Indonesia's Janice Tjen. A potential Osaka-Tjen clash has sparked huge interest in Southeast Asia. Tjen reaching the third round of Wimbledon would be a landmark moment for Indonesian tennis, according to Yahoo Sports.
Elsewhere on Day 3, British pair Dan Evans and Henry Searle saved a match point in their doubles match. But they ultimately lost to the more experienced Hugo Nys and Edouard Roger-Vasselin in a tight tie-break finish. The all-clear skies and 22°C temperatures made for ideal conditions — and a full day of tennis drama at the All England Club.
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