Japan Survives Five-Set Thriller Against Serbia to Stay Unbeaten

Japan preserved its perfect record after surviving a dramatic five-set battle against Serbia, 20-25, 26-24, 18-25, 32-30, 15-7, in a thrilling Week 2 opener of the 2026 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Serbia pushed Japan to the limit, taking the first and third sets while mounting a strong challenge in the fourth. However, Japan showed resilience, forcing a decider after a tense extended fourth set before dominating the fifth to complete the comeback.

Captain Ishikawa Mayu led the way for Japan with a match-high 23 points, while Wada Yukiko added 20 points and 10 digs. Shimamura Haruyo and Sato Yoshino also contributed in double figures as the Japanese displayed depth in a hard-fought victory.

Serbia, led by Aleksandra Uzelac’s 21 points and Hena Kurtagic’s 15 points (including five blocks), came close to pulling off an upset. They had multiple opportunities to close out the match in the fourth set but were denied by timely attacks from Japan’s attackers.

In the deciding fifth set, Japan quickly took control with a strong start and pulled away with an 8-3 closing run to seal the win in just over two hours.

“It was a good comeback. Serbia played a really great match, and we struggled at times. But after a while, we got it together,” said Japan head coach Ferhat Akbaş. “This is our fifth victory in five matches, and we have to continue this rhythm.”

Japan improved to 5-0 and will aim for a sixth straight win when they face Czechia on Friday at 8 p.m. Serbia, now at 3-2, will look to bounce back against reigning champion Italy on Thursday at the same time.