Naomi Osaka delivered a commanding performance in New York on Monday, defeating Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 in a highly anticipated fourth-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Before a full crowd, the two players—who together have claimed three of the last seven US Open titles—faced off once again, reigniting a rivalry that began with their memorable 2019 meeting. This time, the match lacked the emotional moments of their past encounter, instead showcasing Osaka’s dominance as she dictated play with precision.
Gauff, 21 and the tournament’s third seed, is now the same age Osaka was when she defeated her six years earlier on this same court. Back then, Osaka consoled the teenage wildcard in a moment that captured widespread attention. On Monday, there was no such comfort—Osaka took control from the start, striking decisive returns and overpowering rallies before the audience could rally behind their favored player. She cruised through her early service games with the same confidence that once propelled her to the top of the sport, winning 16 of the first 18 service points. Her assured demeanor contrasted with the uncertainty she has occasionally shown since her return.
Gauff’s recurring serving struggles resurfaced immediately. In her opening service game, she fell behind 15-40 before a forehand error handed Osaka the break. She never fully recovered, committing three double faults in the opening set—the last on set point—surrendering it in just 31 minutes.
By then, she had made 16 unforced errors, 11 coming from a misfiring forehand. The crowd, eager to rally behind her, cheered loudly at key moments, but their support couldn’t steady her nerves. Osaka, meanwhile, walked confidently to her chair with a set lead, while Gauff took a brief break off the court.
“I thought I served well overall, especially with the aces,” Gauff said afterward. “There were some double faults, but I felt good about that part of my game. The mistakes came mostly from my groundstrokes.”
Her serving struggles have persisted for months. After securing a second major title at Roland Garros in June, Gauff faced a difficult stretch with double faults and early losses, including a first-round exit at Wimbledon that highlighted ongoing challenges with her serve. She entered this tournament with a revamped team, including a biomechanics specialist who previously helped Aryna Sabalenka transform her serve into a major strength.
Her early rounds in New York were inconsistent—a grueling three-set battle against Ajla Tomljanovic and a tearful escape against Donna Vekic—before finding more stability with a straight-sets win over Magdalena Frech.
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