Tears of joy for Elise MERTENS’ coach as his pupil puts aside Naomi OSAKA from Indian Wells

Elise Mertens capitalizes on Naomi Osaka's errors to advance to the fourth round with a 7-5, 6-3 victory. The 24th seed led the score throughout the match, and despite moments of a timid comeback from the Japanese player, Mertens ultimately prevailed to reach the round of 16 at Indian Wells for the first time in her career, and for the first time for a Belgian to do so since 2011 and Kim Clijsters.

The start of the Belgian player was overwhelming, securing two consecutive breaks to take a 3-0 lead. Osaka granted several opportunities to her opponent and showed clear difficulties in landing her first serve. Despite a rough start, Osaka had moments of brilliance on the court, managing to level with her opponent by breaking back in her only two opportunities.

Playing a significant portion of points with her second serve, Osaka maintained parity in the set until 5-5. At that point, Mertens capitalized on the constant errors from the former world No. 1, winning 10 of the last 11 points played to claim the set 7-5. Osaka had only a 32% first-serve percentage, which proved costly against an opponent of Mertens' caliber.

The advantage provided tranquility to Mertens, who appeared less pressured and reduced her unforced errors in the second set. She quickly took a 2-0 lead and maintained it thanks to her service. The four-time Grand Slam champion found her rhythm again and capitalized on her third break opportunity in the sixth game to level at 3-3.

Despite the comeback, Mertens broke back in the next game and then held the set's lead from her service. With the score 5-4 in favor of the Belgian, Osaka had three break opportunities, all of which she squandered with unforced errors from her backhand, allowing Mertens to close out the match and secure the victory 7-5, 6-3 in one hour and 53 minutes of play.
As the Belgian player was busy handshaking umpire and Osaka, her coach could not hold it together anymore and broke in tears, hiding his head in his hands, giving way to what must have been, months of deep struggle and emotions.

The world No. 28 will face the local favorite and third seed Coco Gauff in the round of 16, who earlier defeated Lucia Bronzetti 6-2, 7-6(5).