Naomi Osaka dispatches Katerina Siniakova and is back in Wimbledon third round for first time since 2018

Naomi Osaka secured a relatively comfortable victory against the Czech Kateřina Siniaková with a 6-3, 6-2 win, advancing to the third round of Wimbledon for the first time since 2018. The four-time Grand Slam champion prevailed comfortably, achieving consecutive wins at a major for the second time this season—following her third-round appearance at the Australian Open.

The Czech world No. 81 came into the match inspired after eliminating fifth seed Zheng Qinwen. However, she couldn't replicate her service consistency and showed clear frustration in the second set, which ultimately cost her the match against the former world No. 1.

The Japanese star delivered another phenomenal performance at the All England Club, where her serve was once again key. Osaka was the first to secure a break in the fourth game, though Siniaková reacted immediately after four break points, managing to level the score at 3-3.

Siniaková had maintained parity with good first-serve numbers but struggled whenever she had to rely on her second serve. After a close initial phase, Osaka took control in the latter part of the set, winning 12 of the last 14 points played and securing an easy break that ultimately gave her the set 6-3, capitalizing on Siniaková's 22 unforced errors throughout the set.

The 27-year-old was again the first to break in the second set, taking an early lead in the third game. Osaka pressured her opponent's serve and seemed closer to a second break than Siniaková was to recovering, especially amidst gestures of annoyance and frustration over constant unforced errors.

Maintaining composure, even amidst errors, proved crucial for Osaka. With the score at 4-2, 15-40, she managed a strong run of points from the return to secure her second break. From there, the Japanese player didn't falter in the final stretch, closing out the victory on her third match point 6-3, 6-2, and guaranteeing her first appearance in the Wimbledon third round since 2018.

Osaka is now guaranteed to return to the top 50—currently appearing as No. 45 in the live rankings. The four-time Grand Slam champion will face her next challenge against the winner between Ashlyn Krueger (31st seed) and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.