Naomi Osaka stuns Coco Gauff to reach US open quarter-finals in best win since return
Naomi Osaka, of Japan, reacts after scoring a point against Hailey Baptiste, of the United States, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka says her victory over Coco Gauff ranks among the special moments she plays tennis for, marking her most impressive win since becoming a mother.
The Japanese star, who welcomed daughter Shai in 2023, outplayed the American third seed with a commanding 6-3 6-2 win to book her place in the New York quarter-finals.
Gauff, 21, entered her home Grand Slam amid uncertainty about her form, and it showed in a subdued display. Struggling particularly on the forehand side, she could not withstand the consistent pressure Osaka applied.
Former world number one Osaka, seeded 23rd, delivered a measured and patient performance, drawing errors from her opponent before sealing the match in just over an hour. She broke into a satisfied smile before applauding Gauff, who quickly left the court.
Though billed as the tournament’s first true “popcorn” clash, the contest lacked drama as Osaka, 27, showcased the progress she has made in refining her powerful baseline game with a calmer, more strategic approach.
Meanwhile, Gauff’s struggles deepened despite a recent team shake-up aimed at correcting her serving issues. Days before the US Open, she replaced grip specialist Matt Daly with biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, known for helping Aryna Sabalenka overcome similar problems. But the high-profile switch added scrutiny at an already pressure-filled tournament, and her discomfort was clear from the start against Osaka.
