Why Naomi Osaka's comeback tour may not end with upset of Coco Gauff

Osaka didn't just get lucky against Gauff, either. The Japanese player outplayed the American throughout the match, winning 6-3, 6-2 in one hour and four minutes. 

Per the U.S. Open's website, Osaka won 15 of 16 first-serve points (94% to 52%) and 17 of 22 second-serve points (77% to 59%). She also hit 10 winners. 

Osaka has won 10 of her last 11 singles matches (including Monday's win). In a post-match interview, she explained watching Gauff win the 2023 U.S. Open has inspired her stellar play at Flushing Meadows.  

"I was in the stands two months after I gave birth to my daughter, watching Coco. I just really wanted an opportunity to come out here and play," she said. "This is my favorite court in the world, and it means so much for me to be back here."

Osaka will face No. 11 seed Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinal on Wednesday. If she wins that match, she'll likely have to beat No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek and No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka to win the tournament. 

That will be difficult for Osaka. With her rolling at her favorite court, however, it wouldn't be shocking if her comeback tour ends with a victory in the final.