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Naomi Osaka continues to sparkle at the U.S. Open.
The two-time women’s champion advanced to the third round for the third time this year in Grand Slam events with a swift 6-3, 6-1 victory over unseeded American Hailey Baptiste during the Thursday afternoon session at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The 27-year-old Osaka aims to move into the fourth round for the first time in eight major appearances since coming back to the WTA Tour after taking the 2023 season off for maternity leave and to focus on her mental wellbeing.
The 23rd-seeded Osaka, who defeated Greet Minnen in straight sets during her opening match this week, will compete against either Kamilla Rakhinova or No. 15 Daria Kasatkina in the forthcoming round.
After wearing a sparkling red dress for her opening match, Osaka came out in a sequined purple outfit for her afternoon match on Armstrong.
Osaka has now won all three head-to-head meetings with the 23-year-old Baptiste, who reached the fourth round at the French Open and third round at Wimbledon this year.
The 47th-ranked Baptiste landed just 48 percent of her first serves and committed 25 unforced errors and nine double faults in the 70-minute match, leading to five converted break points for Osaka.