Naomi Osaka was in inspired form last night, as she dashed American hopes of a US Open winner on the women’s side by dumping out Coco Gauff.
Admittedly, the better player won, and she was so far ahead of her opponent.
Her serve was ruthless and consistent, and her groundstrokes targeted key weaknesses, drawing so many errors from the 21-year-old.
Gauff hired Gavin MacMillan to fix her forehand and serve on the eve of the tournament, and the last week will have shown him exactly where the issues lie.
However, for Naomi Osaka, this feels like a new dawn.
She has catapulted herself into US Open title contention once again, having just dominated the number-three player in the world.
And yet, when asked what she found so exciting about her afternoon’s work, she summoned a surprising answer.
Naomi Osaka left excited after beating Coco Gauff at the US Open
Speaking to reporters after her win, Osaka admitted: “For me, I think this is kind of uncharted territory at this point in my career.”
After all, having taken so long out of the game to give birth to her daughter, and then struggled so much during the first year of her comeback, it feels like she has earned this return to form.
She continued: “I am just enjoying it, I am having fun. I am being able to play against the best players in the world.
“If you were to ask me what was the most exciting thing from today, I think it’s that I don’t need a wildcard to enter tournaments any more, and I think I will be seeded in the Indian Wells and Miami type of tournaments, so that’s what I’m happy about.”
Meanwhile, in her own press conference, Gauff made a promise to tennis fans about what she would do both now and in the future after this crushing defeat.
Naomi Osaka has to be considered a US Open title contender
If people didn’t think Osaka could lift her third US Open title this year before last night’s match, they certainly will do now.
After all, it was the kind of statement performance that turns doubters into believers, as she completely dismantled Coco Gauff with remarkable ease.
And, given that so many big names have fallen by the wayside throughout this unpredictable tournament, whilst other stars have looked unconvincing at times, it feels like there is a huge opportunity brewing.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Naturally, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek will remain the outstanding favourites to meet in the final.
But, with Osaka motoring through the draw at pace, she cannot be discounted any longer.
AloJapan.com