Naomi Osaka Defeats Coco Gauff to Reach First Major Quarterfinal Since 2021

The four-time Grand Slam champion powered past reigning US Open winner Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 on Monday, advancing to her first major quarterfinal in more than four and a half years.
Osaka, seeded No. 23, played with confidence and control under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, dominating No. 3 seed Gauff, who was undone by a barrage of unforced errors — 33 in total, compared to just 12 from Osaka.
“I was super locked in,” said Osaka, 27, after the match. “I felt like everyone wanted to watch a really great match, and I hope that’s what you got.”
Osaka’s aggressive play, anchored by her signature big serve and powerful groundstrokes, echoed the form that won her the US Open in 2018 and 2020, and the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021.
Her last deep run at a Grand Slam was that 2021 Australian Open title. Shortly after, Osaka stepped away from the sport, opening up about struggles with anxiety and depression. Her return to tennis this year followed a 17-month maternity leave after the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July 2023.
“I’m a little sensitive and I don’t want to cry,” Osaka told the crowd, “but honestly, I just had so much fun out here. This is my favorite court in the world, and it means so much for me to be back here.”
Osaka and Gauff have history — including a memorable clash on Ashe back in 2019, when Osaka also emerged victorious. This time, the stakes were higher, and the roles somewhat reversed: Gauff, now a two-time Slam champion at 21, came in as the favorite, but struggled to find rhythm.
She dropped the first two games quickly, committing five unforced errors in the first nine points. Although she briefly raised her level — firing off 115 mph serves and holding at love — Osaka consistently targeted Gauff’s vulnerable forehand, a tactic that paid off.
Osaka, by contrast, stayed focused and energetic, slapping her thigh and pumping herself up between points with “Come on!” while Gauff grew visibly frustrated, often gesturing toward her box in confusion.
Despite Gauff’s raw power and speed, her inconsistency cost her. Osaka stayed composed and capitalized, breaking serve three times and wrapping up the match in just over an hour.
Osaka’s victory is not just a personal milestone — it’s a statement that she’s once again a force to be reckoned with in the women’s game.