Naomi Osaka landed a significant victory after years of being on and off the courtroom. The 27-year-old defeated Coco Gauff with a 6-3 6-2 win within the fourth spherical of the US Open on Monday. This marks a triumphant return to the game for Osaka, whose final main win was within the third spherical of the 2022 Australian Open.
Naomi Osaka gave Coco Gauff her flowers
The 2 gamers competed in opposition to one another for the very first time in 2019, within the third spherical of the US Open. On the time, Gauff was simply 15-years-old and was defeated by Osaka, who was properly established within the sport.
“Coco is among the finest gamers on the earth. I’ve essentially the most enjoyable after I play in opposition to one of the best gamers. I all the time see it as a problem. I like challenges,” Osaka stated after Monday’s victory, in accordance with the BBC. “These are the moments that I play tennis for.”
Gauff, who beforehand received the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open, stated she received’t let the loss have an effect on her negatively.
“I felt so discombobulated on the courtroom, as a result of I used to be serving properly however not returning properly. The final two years, all people can agree that’s like a bizarre thought,” she stated. “I feel there’s a number of positives to take from this event and I’m attempting to be optimistic.
“I promise you that, I don’t really feel that manner proper now, however I’m not going to let this crush me,” Gauff added.
Naomi Osaka has certified for her first Grand Slam quarterfinals since 2021
“I’m a bit delicate and I don’t wish to cry, however truthfully, I simply had a lot enjoyable out right here,” Osaka stated after Monday’s match, in accordance with ESPN. “I used to be telling everybody, actually I used to be within the stands two months after I gave start to my daughter, watching Coco. I simply actually needed a chance to come back out right here and play. That is my favourite courtroom on the earth, and it means a lot to me to be again right here.”
Osaka beforehand received the 2018 and 2020 US Opens, in addition to the 2019 and 2021 Australian Opens. The tennis champion then went on to skip Wimbledon and misplaced within the third rounds of the Tokyo Olympics and the US Open. On the time, Osaka opened up about her struggles with psychological well being and talked about probably taking a break from the game.
“I really feel like for me not too long ago, like, after I win, I don’t really feel blissful,” Osaka stated. “I really feel extra like a reduction. After which after I lose, I really feel very unhappy. I don’t suppose that’s regular.”
Osaka returned to tennis in 2022 and misplaced within the third spherical of the Australian Open. She then introduced her being pregnant in 2023. That very same yr, Osaka watched Gauff as she climbed up the rankings on the US Open and finally received the title.
Tennis followers grew skeptical of Osaka’s return to the game. Monday’s victory marks a big win for the tennis champion. Subsequent, Osaka will compete within the quarterfinals in opposition to Karolina Muchova on Wednesday.
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