Coco Gauff vs. Naomi Osaka: Clash of Titans at the US Open
In a stellar showdown promising strong emotions, former champions Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka will face off in the fourth round of the US Open. Both tennis players secured their place in the round of 16 with contrasting styles, setting the stage for a clash that will capture the attention of tennis fans. Gauff, demonstrating her excellent form, defeated Magdalena Frech with a score of 6-3, 6-1. On the other hand, Osaka, after an intense battle, defeated Daria Kasatkina with partials of 6-0, 4-6, 6-3, marking her return to the fourth round of a Grand Slam since her victory at the Australian Open in 2021. This will be the sixth encounter between Gauff and Osaka, and the first at the US Open since 2019, where Osaka defeated a young Gauff. In their previous matches, Gauff got revenge at the 2020 Australian Open, and they subsequently exchanged victories. The record between both players is 3-2 in favor of Gauff, with their last encounter in Beijing 2024, where Osaka retired due to injury. This match is crucial for both players. Gauff is looking to reach the quarterfinals for the third time in four years. For Osaka, it represents the opportunity to consolidate herself again in the final stages of a major, after her return to the circuit after becoming a mother.
Keys for Gauff:
The key to Gauff’s success lies in her serve. Although she has worked on improving her technique, she still needs to reduce the number of double faults. Osaka, known for her aggressiveness in returning, could take advantage of any opportunity. Gauff will have to demonstrate her resilience, a quality she has already shown in previous tournaments.
Keys for Osaka:
Osaka will need to maintain her excellent level in returning, where she has shown a performance superior to Gauff’s. Her improved movement and growing confidence allow her to be very dangerous in short exchanges. If Osaka manages to impose her game, she will have great opportunities to dominate the points against Gauff.
Protagonists’ Statements:
Gauff on her match at the 2019 US Open: “I remember it was a difficult moment for me because it was a very publicized match. I think I put too much pressure on myself, thinking that maybe I had a chance at that moment to do something, which I definitely did, but I think I felt more expectation than belief. When I played her in Australia, that was more belief than expectation. It would be a cool déjà vu type situation, but I hope the result is different”.
Coco Gauff
Osaka on Gauff: “Can someone come to the match and cheer for me because it’s a bit difficult to play against an American here? I see her as a little sister, so it’s great to play against her here again. Playing against her again after six years, I don’t know if that makes me old, but being at this point in my life and playing against her again is, for me, something special. I’m excited to play against her now, because I feel healthy, and I just want to see what happens”.
Naomi Osaka
