Coco Gauff vs Naomi Osaka – a Rematch of Fire and Poise at the US Open

The 2025 US Open has delivered a blockbuster fourth-round clash that has tennis fans buzzing with anticipation: third seed Coco Gauff and the 2023 champion will face off against 23rd seed Naomi Osaka, a two-time US Open winner (2018, 2020), on Monday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

A rematch of their emotionally charged 2019 third-round encounter pits two of the WTA’s most prominent stars against each other in a battle that promises high stakes, electrifying tennis, and a potential turning point for both players’ seasons.

Coco Gauff: From Teen Prodigy to US Open Powerhouse

Coco Gauff’s journey at the US Open has been nothing short of a fairy tale, evolving from a precocious teenager to a Grand Slam champion. In 2019, at just 15-years-old, Gauff burst onto the scene as a wildcard, captivating fans with her audacious play that carried her to the third round, where she faced Osaka. That match ended in a swift 6-3 6-0 defeat, but Osaka’s post-match gesture of consoling a tearful Gauff and inviting her to share the on-court interview became an iconic moment.

Since that debut, Gauff has become a Flushing Meadows force. In 2023, she claimed her first US Open title, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 2-6 6-3 6-2 in a thrilling final, becoming the first American woman to win the tournament since Sloane Stephens in 2017. Her 2023 campaign was marked by resilience, as she came back from a set down in three matches, losing just seven games combined in those decisive sets.

This year, Gauff has reached the fourth round for the fourth consecutive year. Her third-round performance against Magdalena Frech, which she won 6-3 6-1, was her most polished of the tournament, with only four double faults, a significant improvement from the 18 in her first two matches, indicating that her work with new biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan is beginning to pay dividends.

However, Gauff’s 2025 US Open has not been without challenges. She battled through a three-set thriller against Ajla Tomljanovic in the first round (6-4 6-7 7-5) and an emotional second-round match against Donna Vekic, where she admitted to experiencing a panic attack on court. Her serving struggles – she has 320 double faults entering the tournament – have seemingly been a mental and technical hurdle; however, her ability to grind out wins with her elite defence and mental toughness remains a hallmark of her game.

Naomi Osaka: The Ex-Queen Hunting For Grand Slam Redemption

Naomi Osaka’s US Open resume is equally impressive, with titles in 2018 and 2020 cementing her as one of the tournament’s modern greats. Her 2018 victory over Serena Williams in a controversial final marked her first Grand Slam title, while her 2020 triumph showcased her dominance on hard courts. In 2019, as the top seed and defending champion, she defeated a young Gauff in the third round, a match that highlighted not just her power and precision, but also her empathy, as she comforted her opponent afterwards.

Osaka’s 2025 US Open marks a milestone in her comeback journey. After taking maternity leave in 2023 and struggling upon her return in 2024, she has shown signs of rediscovering her best form. Her third-round win over world #15 Daria Kasatkina was a statement, winning the first set without losing a game and hitting 37 winners in total to reach the first fourth-round at a Major for the first time since winning the 2021 Australian Open – a testament to her growing confidence under new coach Tomasz Wiktorowski.

Osaka’s earlier rounds were equally convincing. She beat Greet Minnen 6-3 6-4 in the first round and Hailey Baptiste 6-3 6-1 in the second, displaying improved movement and a lethal return game (winning 73% of second-serve return points). Her recent final in Montreal and three wins in Cincinnati signal that the four-time Grand Slam champion is regaining the form that made her a world #1.

Head-to-Head and Tactical Breakdown

The Gauff-Osaka rivalry stands at 3-2 in Gauff’s favour, though their most recent completed match was in 2022 at the San Jose Open. Their 2019 US Open clash saw Osaka dominate with her power, but Gauff avenged that loss in the 2020 Australian Open, winning 6-3 6-4. Their last meeting, in Beijing last year, ended with Osaka retiring due to injury, making this their first completed Grand Slam encounter since 2020. Notably, in their four completed matches, the player who won the first set has always won the match, underscoring the importance of a fast start.

Tactically, this matchup is a clash of styles. Osaka’s game is built on first-strike tennis, with her powerful serve, forehand, and backhand allowing her to dictate rallies. Her 83% return rate and 73% success rate on second-serve returns at this US Open pose a significant threat to Gauff, especially given Gauff’s serving inconsistencies. Osaka’s ability to dominate the 0-4 shot rallies will test Gauff’s counterpunching skills.

Gauff, meanwhile, relies on her elite athleticism, speed, and defensive prowess to extend rallies and force her opponents into errors. Her backhand is a weapon, and her improved forehand, with added topspin, has looked sharper in New York. Her serve, while improving, remains a vulnerability, particularly against Osaka’s aggressive returning. Gauff’s ability to stay composed under pressure, as seen in her third-round performance, will be crucial, especially with the Arthur Ashe crowd likely to be in her corner.

A Victory Could Amplify Gauff’s Greatness 

Winning the 2025 US Open would solidify Gauff’s status as a generational talent and a cornerstone of American tennis. At 21, she is already a two-time Grand Slam champion (2023 US Open, 2024 French Open), and a second US Open title would make her the first American woman to win multiple titles in New York since Serena Williams. It would also mark a triumph over her serving struggles, validating her bold decision to overhaul her technique mid-season. A title run would likely propel Gauff closer to the world #1 ranking, currently held by Iga Swiatek, and cement her as a leader in the next era of the WTA.

Beyond the rankings, a victory would be deeply personal. Gauff has spoken about the emotional toll of this tournament, due to the mental and technical challenges she’s overcome. Beating Osaka, a player she respects and views as a benchmark, would be a statement of her growth since their 2019 encounter and a boost to her confidence heading into the latter stages of the tournament.

A Victory Could Redefine Osaka’s Legacy

For Osaka, a third US Open title would be a crowning achievement in her inspiring comeback story. As the mother of a two-year-old daughter, Osaka aims to become the first mother to win a Grand Slam singles title since Kim Clijsters in 2011. Ups and downs have marked her journey since returning from maternity leave, but her recent form suggests she is rediscovering the dominance that led to four Grand Slam titles. A win in New York would reaffirm her place among the elite and potentially signal a return to the top 10, if not higher.

On a personal level, Osaka has deep ties to New York, having lived on Long Island as a child. She describes the US Open as “home,” and a title would carry immense emotional weight, especially after her public battles with mental health and the physical demands of returning post-pregnancy. Beating Gauff, whom she affectionately calls her “little sister,” would be a symbolic passing of the torch back to herself, proving she can still compete with the WTA’s brightest young stars.

What to Expect

This match is a toss-up, despite Gauff’s higher seeding and head-to-head edge. Osaka’s resurgent form and confidence make her a dangerous opponent, particularly if she maintains her aggressive returning and first-strike tennis. Gauff, however, has the home crowd and a knack for rising to the occasion in high-pressure moments. The Arthur Ashe atmosphere will be electric, though Osaka’s plea for the crowd may win her some fans, given her New York roots and likability.

With all the makings of a classic, there is the potential that it will go three sets. However, regardless of the outcome, this clash between two former champions, both with deep ties to the US Open and a shared history of mutual respect, will be a defining moment of the 2025 tournament. It’s a match that encapsulates the past, present, and future of women’s tennis, and one that fans won’t soon forget.