Coco Gauff faced a significant emotional challenge after her stunning U.S. Open Round of 16 defeat to Naomi Osaka. The 17-year-old American star, ranked third, said she ‘kind of broke down’ to her team after losing 6-3, 6-2 in an upset performance. Gauff acknowledged the difficulty of the loss, attributing it to her unforced errors and the pressure of the tournament.
Despite the loss, she expressed confidence in her recent coaching change with Gavin MacMillan, who is known for helping top players like Aryna Sabalenka improve their serves. “I think if I kept the way I was going in Cincinnati to her, I would have been out in the first round,” Gauff said, highlighting her belief in her ongoing development. Before the U.S. Open, she had parted ways with her previous coach, Matt Daly, to work with MacMillan, aiming to refine her serve. Gauff’s performance in the tournament showed some improvement, but she admitted she still needed to focus on rounding out her game.
Meanwhile, Osaka, the two-time U.S. Open champion, continued her strong form in Flushing Meadows, reaching the quarterfinals after her victory. Osaka shared her focus on delivering a great match for the fans and expressed her determination to keep progressing. This win is significant for Osaka, marking her first quarterfinal appearance at a Grand Slam since her Australian Open victory in 2021.
With her daughter, Shai, born in 2023, Osaka has returned to the sport after a break due to mental health challenges. She will now face Karolína Muchová in the quarterfinals, showcasing her continued dominance on the court.