Naomi Osaka defeated Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 in just 64 minutes at the US Open on Monday, securing her place in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in more than four and a half years. The victory marked Osaka’s fifth career major quarterfinal and her first since giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023.
The 27-year-old, seeded No. 23, showcased the form that has seen her claim four Grand Slam titles on hard courts, including the US Open in 2018 and 2020 and the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021. Remarkably, Osaka has gone on to win the title every time she has reached the quarterfinals of a major.
“This is kind of unchartered territory at this point of my career,” Osaka said after the match. “I’m just enjoying it. I’m having fun. I’m being able to play against the best players in the world.”
Gauff, seeded No. 3 and the reigning US Open champion, struggled throughout the match, recording 33 unforced errors compared to Osaka’s 12. Osaka dominated with her big serves, booming forehands, and aggressive returns, winning 32 of her 38 service points and converting all four of her break opportunities.
“I am not going to let this crush me,” Gauff said afterward, vowing to bounce back despite the disappointing loss.
This victory marks a major milestone for Osaka, who has been gradually returning to form following a 17-month maternity break. Her last Slam title came at the 2021 Australian Open, after which she took time away from the sport and sparked a global conversation about mental health when she revealed her struggles with anxiety and depression.
Reflecting on her journey, Osaka grew emotional as she addressed the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where she first defeated Gauff in 2019. “I was in the stands like two months after I gave birth to my daughter, watching Coco. I just really wanted an opportunity to come out here and play,” she said. “This is my favourite court in the world, and it means so much for me to be back here.”
Next, Osaka will face No. 11 seed Karolina Muchova on Wednesday for a spot in the semifinals. Muchova, the 2023 French Open runner-up, advanced after defeating Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-7 (0), 6-3 in the fourth round. The Czech player, who beat Osaka in the second round of last year’s US Open, became only the fourth woman in the Open era to win a three-set match in four consecutive rounds at Flushing Meadows.
“She’s always been one of the most talented tennis players out there, and physically she moves really well, and she’s very strong,” Osaka said about her upcoming opponent. “So it’s going to be a really tough challenge.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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