Naomi Osaka beat Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-1 in 64 minutes on Monday, winning 15 of 16 points on her first serve and all four break chances. It’s her first major quarterfinal since 2021.
NEW YORK -- This was a fourth-round match with unusually large consequences, a highly charged litmus test, a gut-check in real time.
After missing the entire 2023 season on maternity leave, four-time Grand Slam champio Naomi Osaka has expressed frustration with her lack of progress. When would her game regain that ethereal major-winning quality?
Coco Gauff even in the wake of a title at Roland Garros, turned to biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan just before the US Open, willing to sacrifice short-term results by playing the long game. Could she rely on her great strengths of speed and competitive fire while making significant adjustments to her serve and forehand?
The answers arrived in only 64 minutes on Monday in Arthur Ashe Stadium as Osaka dropped a decisive 6-3, 6-1 decision on Gauff to advance to the quarterfinals. It’s Osaka’s first major quarterfinal since winning the 2021 Australian Open.
It was reminiscent of the memorable match between the two here six years ago. Osaka, at the height of her powers, dispatched a 15-year-old Gauff 6-3, 6-0 in a third-round match that ended with tears. The difference is that Gauff was seeded No. 3 here and Osaka was No. 23.
“I mean I’m a little sensitive -- I don’t want to cry,” Osaka said afterward. “Honestly I had so much fun out here.
“This is my favorite court in the world, and it means so much to be back here.”
Much has been made of Osaka’s move to coach Tomasz Wiktorowski. And while Iga Swiatek’s former coach has been a boon to her confidence, the difference between the 2024 Osaka and this year’s edition might just be fitness -- and the confidence that brings.
Even earlier this year, she appeared sluggish at times, impatient to end points quickly. Against Gauff, Osaka moved exceptionally well, weathered long rallies and stayed in a visibly positive frame of mind. Her intensity was palpable.
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