Japan's Naomi Osaka hits a forehand during a U.S. Open second-round match against Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic in New York on Sept. 3, 2026. (AP/Kyodo)

NEW YORK - Japan's Naomi Osaka reached the third round of the U.S. Open on Thursday for the second straight year, after the two-time winner beat Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic 6-2, 5-7, 6-1.

Former world No. 1 Osaka was made to work against her 42nd-ranked opponent, but the 13th seed regained her rhythm in the third set to advance in New York, where she is looking to reclaim the title she won in 2018 and 2020.

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