Naomi Osaka has produced a commanding performance to knock out third seed Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 in a highly anticipated fourth-round showdown.
The clash between two former US Open champions — Osaka in 2018 and 2020, Gauff in 2023 — did not entirely live up to the billing as it lasted just 64 minutes and was incredibly one-sided.
Four-time grand slam champion Osaka showed flashes of her old brilliance as she took control of the match from the start, while the Gauff struggled with her forehand and her serve.
The result will carry Osaka into the Flushing Meadows quarterfinals for the first time in five years and mark her first trip to the last eight of a major since winning the 2021 US Open.
She will next play Czech 11th seed Karolína Muchová, who spent just under 3 hours on court to beat 27th seed Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-7(0/7), 6-3, as she shoots for her third straight semifinal berth in New York.
"It's really special. I look up to her a lot," Osaka said of Gauff, who she described as "a little sister" after her third-round win.
"The way she conducts herself is really special. To be such a role model at such a young age, I have respect for her."
The fourth-round match marked the first time the two fan favourites met in New York since their memorable 2019 tussle when the then-15-year-old Gauff lost to Osaka.
Gauff, who was coming off her shock run to the fourth round at Wimbledon, was in tears after the match, but was comforted by reigning champion Osaka, who brought her onto court with her for her post-match interview in front of adoring US fans.
Still only 21 years old, but now a two-time grand slam champion, Gauff has been in tears at times during this year's tournament too, as she has struggled with consistency.
The American has spent many months trying to rebuild her serve. However, it let her down yet again as she produced a double fault on set point, one of five across the match.
The mistakes began to pile up for the American, who handed Osaka another break point with an unforced error in the sixth game of the second set and turned helplessly to her box during the final game, telling her coaches: "Nothing's working."
The pair embraced briefly at the net after Gauff bowed out with a shot into the net on match point and Osaka smiled in a subdued celebration.
"I'm a little sensitive. I don't want to cry. I had so much fun out here," said Osaka, who has recaptured some of her best form this year with a run to the final in Montreal.
"A big thank-you to my team. We've been through a lot, it hasn't been easy but they have been by my side. I love you."
Reuters
