Osaka advances to first Grand Slam quarterfinal since winning Australian Open in 2021
Naomi Osaka Ends Coco Gauff’s US Open Run With Dominant Victory, Reaches First Grand Slam Quarterfinal Since 2021
Coco Gauff’s 2025 US Open campaign came to a halt Monday night as Naomi Osaka turned back the clock with a commanding performance at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Japanese star, who previously won the tournament in 2018 and 2020, defeated Gauff in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, to advance to her first Grand Slam quarterfinal in over four years.
Osaka came out firing, breaking Gauff in the opening game and never looking back. The No. 23-ranked player didn’t face a single break point in the match, while Gauff struggled to find rhythm, committing 33 unforced errors—an uncharacteristic stat line for the reigning US Open champion.
"I was super locked in," Osaka said during her on-court interview. "I felt like everyone wanted to watch a really great match and I hope that’s what you got."
The win marks a major milestone in Osaka’s comeback journey. After stepping away from the sport to focus on her mental health and giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in 2023, Osaka is once again finding top form on the court.
"Honestly, I have so much fun out here," she told the crowd, visibly emotional. "I was out here in the stands two months after giving birth to my daughter and I was watching Coco. I just really wanted an opportunity to come out here and play. This is my favorite court in the world and it means so much to be back here."
The two players embraced at the net after the match in a show of mutual respect. While Gauff’s title defense ends earlier than expected, Osaka’s resurgence is quickly becoming one of the biggest storylines of the tournament.
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