Naomi Osaka showcased her true colors with a heartfelt gesture toward Coco Gauff after defeating her 6-3, 6-2 in just 64 minutes in the fourth round of the US Open 2025 on September 1, 2025, at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The two-time US Open champion (2018, 2020) praised Gauff’s resilience and character, reinforcing their mutual respect, reminiscent of their emotional 2019 encounter when Osaka consoled a tearful Gauff (usatoday.com, September 1, 2025). Osaka’s victory, her biggest since the 2021 Australian Open, advanced her to the quarterfinals, while Gauff reflected positively despite the loss (nytimes.com, September 1, 2025). This article explores Osaka’s sportsmanship, the match, and how fans can follow their journeys, as of 9:16 PM WAT, September 1, 2025.
Osaka’s Classy Post-Match Gesture
After her commanding win, Osaka spoke warmly about Gauff, saying, “I see her as a little sister… She’s an incredible person and player. I’m just happy to compete against her again” (@usopen, September 1, 2025). This echoed their 2019 US Open moment, where Osaka, after a 6-3, 6-0 rout, invited a 15-year-old Gauff for a joint interview, a gesture Gauff called “true sportsmanship” (espn.com, September 1, 2019). In 2025, Osaka’s comments highlighted her admiration for Gauff’s growth, noting, “She’s the main star here, and I’m honored to share the court with her” (the-express.com, September 1, 2025). Gauff reciprocated, saying, “Naomi played amazing. I’m proud of her comeback” (profootballnetwork.com, September 1, 2025).
The Match: Osaka’s Dominance
Osaka, seeded No. 23, exploited Gauff’s serving struggles, winning 9 of 11 points on Gauff’s second serve and targeting her forehand, which produced 20 unforced errors (nytimes.com, September 1, 2025). Gauff, the No. 3 seed, double-faulted four times and made 28 total unforced errors, unable to counter Osaka’s steady play and powerful returns (usatoday.com, September 1, 2025). Osaka’s 83% return rate and 73% second-serve return success overwhelmed Gauff, who admitted, “She was just better today. I’ll learn from this” (skysports.com, September 1, 2025). The 6-3, 6-2 scoreline marked Osaka’s first Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2021, keeping her perfect record of winning titles when reaching that stage (usatoday.com, September 1, 2025).
Their History and Bond
The match was a rematch of their 2019 US Open clash, where Osaka’s kindness left a lasting impression. Gauff, now 21 and a two-time Grand Slam champion (2023 US Open, 2025 French Open), leads their head-to-head 3-2 but fell to 3-3 after this loss (espn.com, September 1, 2025). Osaka, 27, who returned in 2024 after maternity leave, has praised Gauff’s off-court advocacy, saying in 2023, “She’s a role model for my daughter, Shai” (express.co.uk, September 1, 2025). Gauff noted, “We’re not super close, but we’re friendly. I support her journey” (abcnews.go.com, August 30, 2025).
Fan and Media Reactions
Fans celebrated Osaka’s class, with @TheTennisLetter tweeting, “Naomi’s words for Coco show true sportsmanship! What a moment! ❤️ #USOpen” (September 1, 2025). The Guardian wrote, “Osaka’s gesture reminds us why she’s a champion on and off the court” (theguardian.com, September 1, 2025). @WTAFanatic added, “Naomi and Coco’s respect for each other is everything! 🌟 #USOpen” (September 1, 2025).
Looking Ahead
Naomi Osaka’s classy gesture toward Coco Gauff after her 64-minute US Open win highlighted their mutual respect, echoing their 2019 moment. As Osaka eyes a fifth Grand Slam title and Gauff regroups, their rivalry remains a tennis highlight. Follow updates on wtatennis.com or @usopen on X.
