Japan extended unbeaten run in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League with 3-1 victory over Serbia improving to 5-0 in the competition.
The tournament leaders controlled the match from the outset, dominating the opening two sets 25-17 and 25-15. Serbia responded strongly in the third set, claiming a 25-22 win after improving reception and putting pressure on the Japanese defense.
However, Japan quickly regained momentum in the fourth set, pulling away after the midway point to secure a 25-16 victory and collect all three points.
Japan outperformed Serbia in every major statistical category, finishing with a 49-41 advantage in attack points and an 8-7 edge in blocks. The Asian side also benefited from 36 opponent errors, compared to Japan 22.
Ran Takahashi led all scorers with 22 points for Japan, while captain Yuki Ishikawa added 12 and Yuji Nishida contributed 10. Serbia was paced by Veljko Masulović with 16 points and Lazar Marinovic with 14.
Result: Japan def. Serbia 3-1 (25-17, 25-15, 22-25, 25-16).