Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, broke down emotionally after a 6-3, 6-2 loss to Naomi Osaka in the fourth round of the US Open 2025 on September 1, 2025, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, a match that lasted just 64 minutes. The No. 3 seed admitted to “breaking down” to her team post-match, grappling with 33 unforced errors and five double faults that sealed her exit (express.co.uk, September 1, 2025). Despite the disappointment, Gauff expressed optimism, highlighting progress in her serve and her focus on future improvement. This article details her emotional reaction, the match dynamics, and how fans can follow her next steps, as of 11:06 PM WAT, September 1, 2025.
Gauff’s Emotional Breakdown
After the swift defeat, Gauff quickly left Arthur Ashe Stadium and confided in her team, saying, “I was really disappointed… kind of broke down to my team” (express.co.uk, September 1, 2025). The loss echoed her emotional struggles earlier in the tournament, where she cried during a second-round win over Donna Vekic, later describing it as a “panic attack” (espn.com, August 30, 2025). Gauff reflected, “I think I’m getting better at showing my emotions off the court, not during the match… I don’t want to show weakness” (bbc.com, August 30, 2025). However, she found perspective, noting, “If I kept the way I was going in Cincinnati, I’d have been out in the first round. My serve improved a lot” (express.co.uk, September 1, 2025).
The Match: Osaka’s Dominance
Osaka, the No. 23 seed, capitalized on Gauff’s serving woes, winning 73% of second-serve return points and targeting her forehand, which produced 20 unforced errors (nytimes.com, September 1, 2025). Gauff’s four double faults, including two in the first set’s final game, handed Osaka the opener, and her 33 total unforced errors stifled any comeback (usatoday.com, September 1, 2025). Osaka’s steady baseline play and 83% return rate overwhelmed Gauff, who said, “Naomi was just better today. I didn’t have a single break point” (skysports.com, September 1, 2025). The match marked Osaka’s first Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2021, while Gauff’s loss ended her title defense hopes (usopen.org, September 1, 2025).
Gauff’s Serve and Coaching Changes
Gauff’s tournament was defined by her ongoing serve reconstruction under biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan, hired after 16 double faults in a Cincinnati Masters loss (theguardian.com, August 30, 2025). Her double faults dropped from 18 in the first two rounds to four against Magdalena Frech and five against Osaka, showing progress (espn.com, August 30, 2025). Gauff noted, “My serve started better than Cincinnati… Today feels disappointing, but it’s a step forward” (express.co.uk, September 1, 2025). She plans a training block with MacMillan before the China Open (September 23-October 6, 2025).
Fan and Media Reactions
Fans rallied behind Gauff, with @TheTennisLetter tweeting, “Coco’s honesty about her emotions is raw and real. She’ll bounce back! 💪 #USOpen” (September 1, 2025). USA Today wrote, “Gauff’s tears show her passion, but her perspective shows her strength” (usatoday.com, September 1, 2025). @WTAFanatic added, “Coco’s only 21 and already a champ. This loss won’t define her! 🇺🇸 #USOpen” (September 1, 2025).
