Naomi Osaka dominated Coco Gauff in a highly anticipated U.S. Open showdown that turned into a statement, decided not just on the court but between the ears.
After an emotionally fraught week, Gauff was running on empty. Meanwhile, Osaka was all smiles and self-assurance.
And when it was over, Osaka had a 6-3, 6-2 Round of 16 rout, rejoining the sport’s elite, while an emotionally drained Gauff broke down to her team.
Naomi Osaka celebrates her win over Coco Gauff at US Open on Sept. 1, 2025. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
“The main [thing] I want to take away from this tournament is just smiling and having fun,” said Osaka, whose grin was brighter than her sparkly Labubu, Althea Glitterson. “Going into this match, I just wanted to be grateful.
“She’s one of the best players in the world. For me, honestly, I have the most fun when I play against the best players. I love when they hit amazing shots or they hit aces because that’s how they won the tournaments that they won. I always see it as a challenge. I like challenges.”
For Osaka — resurgent and resplendent — getting here has been a challenge. This marks her first Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2021 and her first since giving birth.
Naomi Osaka is into the quarterfinals of the US Open. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
She had climbed to the top of the sport, claiming four Grand Slam titles from 2018-21. But Osaka stepped away due to mental health issues, then took 2023 off to have her daughter, Shai, watching in the stands on maternity leave when Gauff won her first Slam title here in Flushing Meadows.
“I’ve been playing this sport since I was 3. I tell people it’s like breathing air to me. I wouldn’t really know what to do [without tennis],” Osaka said. “I’m really grateful to be here now.”
Coco Gauff during her match against Naomi Osaka on Sept. 1, 2025. Getty Images
Naomi Osaka during her fourth-round US Open match against Coco Gauff on Sept. 1, 2025. REUTERS
Here — back among tennis’ elite, contending for a Slam — is a place Osaka had openly questioned whether she’d ever get back to as a mother. But her quarterfinal rout of Elina Svitolina en route to the Montreal title buoyed her confidence. And Monday erased all doubt.
Osaka is back.
She’s rediscovering the joy in her game working with new coach Tomasz Wiktorowski.
Coco Gauff during the fourth-round US Open match. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
“He seemed like such a tough guy, but when he smiles, he’s like a teddy bear,” Osaka said. “He’s always very proud and encouraging. It creates a safe space for me to express myself and my tennis.”
Osaka lived in Valley Stream and Elmont, watching and attending the U.S. Open with dreams of playing here. On Monday, she played with joy clear in her Cheshire cat grin.
“I was a kid that was watching on TV just hoping to play this tournament. I’d come here and wish to play on one of the cool outdoor courts. And to be on the main stadium here, no matter what point of my career I’m in, it’s always an honor,” Osaka said. “Just to be playing a match [like that] is really fun. This is the moments that I play tennis for.”
Osaka has always had impressive power, but won points on 15 of 6 first serves without a single double-fault. She was 4-of-4 on break points.
Meanwhile, Gauff — who has had an emotionally draining week — ran out of gas emotionally.
“It’s disappointing. For sure, it was not the level I wanted to bring,” Gauff said. “Emotionally, how much this week was, [Monday], I just stepped in, and I maybe was a little bit empty.”
Gauff’s shaky serve actually was solid, but the young American committed 33 unforced errors, including three straight to drop her very first service game.
It’s been a mentally taxing week, firing coach Matt Daly on the eve of the U.S. Open to bring in serve specialist Gavin MacMillan. Gauff had been in tears in her second-round win, and the stress on her nerves finally caught up with her.
It’s a lesson learned.
“After the match I was really disappointed, broke down to my team,” said Gauff, 21. “Then hearing their perspectives, it definitely is a lot of positive things.”
Gauff is playing the long game, trying to get back to the top and win more Grand Slams. But for Osaka, that dream is very much alive, not off in the future but right now in Flushing.
AloJapan.com