Osaka Rises Again: Triumph Over Gauff at the US Open Marks a Powerful Comeback

NEW YORK — This match carried unexpected weight. It was a real test for both players. After stepping away from the game for her pregnancy, Naomi Osaka has felt stuck. She’s wondering when she’ll get back to her major-winning form.

Coco Gauff, fresh off her victory at Roland Garros, took a different approach. She consulted biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan before the US Open. This meant giving up some immediate results to improve her game long-term. Could she leverage her speed and competitive spirit while refining her serve and forehand?

Answers came quickly on Monday in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Osaka lost decisively to Gauff, 6-3, 6-1. This match marked Osaka’s first major quarterfinal since her 2021 Australian Open win.

This encounter brought back memories of their last match six years ago when a young Gauff faced a dominant Osaka. Back then, Osaka won 6-3, 6-0, leaving Gauff in tears. Today, Gauff was seeded No. 3, while Osaka was No. 23.

“I’m a little sensitive — I don’t want to cry,” Osaka shared. “Honestly, I had so much fun out here. This is my favorite court in the world.”

Osaka’s switch to coach Tomasz Wiktorowski appears to have helped her confidence. However, her fitness seems to be the real game-changer. Earlier this year, she often looked tired and rushed. But against Gauff, Osaka moved well, stayed positive, and showed a new level of intensity. She won 16 out of 24 rallies that lasted five shots or more.

In contrast, Gauff struggled, particularly with her forehand and service. She served five double faults and racked up 20 unforced errors. Early in the match, her forehand faltered, allowing Osaka to take an early lead.

Gauff focused on her serve, delivering some impressive aces. But both matchup victories were fleeting; a series of errors led Osaka to take the first set in just 31 minutes.

The second set also saw Gauff faltering. With the score 3-2 in Osaka’s favor, Gauff’s serve faltered. Two double faults and a misfired backhand left her vulnerable. Osaka seized her third break point, sealing her victory with one final break.

Osaka aims for her third US Open title in eight years. This marks her fifth trip to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam, and she won the first four.

Osaka’s turning point appears to be her match in Montreal last month. Coming back from a set and down 5-3 against No. 13 seed Liudmila Samsonova, she saved two match points and won after more than two-and-a-half hours.

“Since then, I’ve been thinking anything’s possible,” she said on court. “You just have to have a smile on your face.”

As both players move forward, it’s clear that while Osaka is finding her rhythm, Gauff has work to do. The lessons learned today might shape their journeys ahead.

For more insights on athlete performance and psychological strategies in sports, you might find the research from the American Psychological Association helpful.

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