Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka delivered one of her finest performances since returning from maternity leave, defeating defending US Open champion Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 in a commanding fourth-round display.
The match, held inside a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, rekindled memories of their 2019 encounter, when Osaka consoled a tearful teenage Gauff.
This time, however, Osaka showed no mercy, dictating play with powerful returns and consistency that Gauff struggled to match.
The American’s service issues proved costly, with 33 unforced errors and multiple double faults undermining her chances.
For Osaka, the victory was more than just a milestone on the court—it marked her first Grand Slam quarter-final in four years, signalling that she is once again a contender for major titles.
She reflected emotionally on her journey back, recalling watching Gauff compete at Flushing Meadows two months after giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in 2023.
Osaka said she wanted to prove to herself she could return to her best, crediting her team for their support during a challenging comeback.
The win also preserved her perfect record of winning the title whenever she has reached the quarter-finals of a Slam.
With momentum on her side and a growing sense of joy in her game, Osaka now faces the possibility of another deep run, reigniting excitement among fans who have long awaited her resurgence.
Her victory over Gauff could prove to be a turning point, both for her career and for the narrative of her comeback.
The match, held inside a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, rekindled memories of their 2019 encounter, when Osaka consoled a tearful teenage Gauff.
This time, however, Osaka showed no mercy, dictating play with powerful returns and consistency that Gauff struggled to match.
The American’s service issues proved costly, with 33 unforced errors and multiple double faults undermining her chances.
For Osaka, the victory was more than just a milestone on the court—it marked her first Grand Slam quarter-final in four years, signalling that she is once again a contender for major titles.
She reflected emotionally on her journey back, recalling watching Gauff compete at Flushing Meadows two months after giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in 2023.
Osaka said she wanted to prove to herself she could return to her best, crediting her team for their support during a challenging comeback.
The win also preserved her perfect record of winning the title whenever she has reached the quarter-finals of a Slam.
With momentum on her side and a growing sense of joy in her game, Osaka now faces the possibility of another deep run, reigniting excitement among fans who have long awaited her resurgence.
Her victory over Gauff could prove to be a turning point, both for her career and for the narrative of her comeback.
