Naomi Osaka triumphed over Coco Gauff with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory in just 64 minutes on Monday, showcasing her skill by winning 15 of 16 first serve points and converting all four break point opportunities. This marks Osaka’s first appearance in a major quarterfinal since her win at the 2021 Australian Open.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Arthur Ashe Stadium, this fourth-round match carried significant implications, serving as a crucial assessment for both athletes. Following a year-long hiatus due to maternity leave, Osaka had expressed dissatisfaction with her performance and wondered when her game would regain its championship form.
Gauff, coming off a title win at Roland Garros, had made strategic changes, bringing in biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan prior to the US Open, hoping to enhance her serve and forehand while relying on her natural strengths. However, it was Osaka who delivered a stellar performance to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
This encounter echoed their prior meeting six years prior, where a young Gauff faced off against an unstoppable Osaka. At that time, Osaka dominated the match, handing Gauff a tough loss. Fast forward to today, Gauff was seeded third, while Osaka held the 23rd seed.
“I mean I’m a little sensitive — I don’t want to cry,” Osaka remarked post-match. “Honestly I had so much fun out here. This is my favorite court in the world, and it means so much to be back here.”
Osaka’s collaboration with coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, formerly of Iga Swiatek, has bolstered her confidence. Importantly, her fitness levels showcased a marked improvement compared to earlier this year when she often looked fatigued.
In her match against Gauff, Osaka demonstrated impressive movement, sustained long rallies, and maintained a positive demeanor, clearly transforming her approach. With a solid foundation, she won 16 of 24 rallies comprising five shots or more and adeptly converted every break point.
Gauff faced challenges throughout, particularly with her forehand and service, committing five double faults and accumulating 20 unforced errors with her forehand alone. Early missteps, including a shaky service game that gifted Osaka a quick lead, set the tone for the match.
As the match progressed, Gauff attempted to regain her form, hitting powerful serves but ultimately struggled against Osaka’s relentless play. A pivotal moment occurred in the second set as Gauff faltered with a double fault and a wayward backhand, allowing Osaka to seize the opportunity and break serve.
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Osaka ultimately sealed her victory with one final break, positioning herself for a potential third US Open title in eight years, now preparing to face Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals. This match marks her fifth quarterfinal appearance at a Grand Slam, with an impressive track record of winning the first four.
Reflecting on her recent resurgence, Osaka credited her comeback in Montreal as a crucial moment. “Since then, I’ve been thinking anything’s possible,” she noted during her on-court interview. “You just have to have a smile on your face.”
