Naomi Osaka delivers what Iga Swiatek never did for Tomasz Wiktorowski in four years

Osaka defeated Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4 in straight sets, moving into the fourth round in Montreal for the first time in her career.

During his time with Swiatek, Wiktorowski had famously struggled to devise a game plan that could beat the Latvian.

Swiatek faced Ostapenko four times under his guidance and lost each match. In contrast, just a week into working with Osaka, Wiktorowski picked up his third win over the world number 26.

• 2019 Birmingham R32 – Jelena Ostapenko defeated Iga Swiatek, 6-0, 6-2
• 2021 Indian Wells R16 – Jelena Ostapenko defeated Iga Swiatek, 6-4, 6-3
• 2022 Dubai R16 – Jelena Ostapenko defeated Iga Swiatek, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6
• 2023 US Open R16 – Jelena Ostapenko defeated Iga Swiatek, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1

His last victory over Ostapenko as a coach came while he was working with Agnieszka Radwanska between 2011 and 2018.

The third-round result will have been a welcome one for Wiktorowski, but he’ll also recognise that it’s opened up an even bigger opportunity for him and Osaka going forward.

Osaka is now just one match away from reaching her first WTA 1000 quarter-final in three years and will likely be favoured when she steps onto court for her last-16 tie against Caroline Dolehide or Sloane Stephens.

Naomi Osaka’s path through Montreal could get much tougher from here

Osaka’s next challenge is another Latvian player, Anastasija Sevastova, who pulled off an upset over Jessica Pegula in her last match.

Sevastova entered the tournament using her protected ranking and is currently ranked outside the top 300. She will be a heavy underdog against Osaka.

If Osaka reaches the quarter-finals, tougher tests will follow. She could face Wimbledon runner-up Amanda Anisimova next – a difficult matchup by any measure – but there may be even more motivation waiting beyond that round.

Naomi Osaka’s projected route to the Canadian Open title

• 4R v Anastasija Sevastova
• QF v Amanda Anisimova
• SF v Iga Swiatek
• F v Coco Gauff

A potential semi-final against Iga Swiatek would draw plenty of attention. Wiktorowski played a key role in Swiatek’s rise while coaching her to four Grand Slam titles before their split earlier this year.

The last time Osaka won, the Polish star was also competing at this same event six years ago. Since then, they’ve faced each other twice, with both matches ending in defeat for the Japanese player.