'She is absolutely back': Former Wimbledon champion effusive of praise for Naomi Osaka

Psychological difference evident

Bartoli underlined the psychological difference between the two players. “The contrast in their emotions was so clear. Naomi Osaka was enjoying herself, smiling, so clear in her intent. In contrast, Coco was struggling on everything—even her backhand. She hit over 30 unforced errors in what was a very quick match.

“It’s been a struggle for her mentally throughout this tournament, and today it showed up even more. At the end of the match, she just wanted to get off that stadium as quickly as possible. It’s been so hard, even traumatic at times with the tears on court. She recognised her opponent played great, but she definitely needs some time away to decompress and think about her next move.”

Broady highlighted Osaka’s unwavering focus. “When Mary Jo Fernandez asked her about the crowd, which was largely in favour of Gauff, she said, ‘I didn’t even realise, I was just so locked in.’ That’s despite her last round saying she hoped the crowd would be kind.

“It just shows her intent, her commitment to the game plan. Not only did that help her execute the tennis, but it massively helped her mentally.”

Incredible coaching change

Henman reflected on Osaka’s decision to switch coaches midway through the season, a move that already looks to be paying off. “That run to the final in Canada was big. Yes, it didn’t end the way she wanted, but it made people sit up and take notice. It set her up for this US Open as well.

“She had that coaching change mid-season, which is unusual. Normally you stick it out for a year. Naomi doesn’t usually like to change coaches, but she made that bold change and was rewarded. Straightaway she made the Montreal final, then stuck with the new coach who brings that tactical element.

“I actually know him from his time coaching Agnieszka Radwanska, and of course Iga Świątek—two very smart players on court. He’s adding that same tactical dimension to Osaka’s game. We all knew she had the power, the serve, the forehand—that’s how she won her first Slam. But now, with that tactical edge, she’s even more dangerous.”

Bartoli agreed, praising Osaka’s evolution. “She was so clever today with her placement. If you add that to the raw power she already had, she becomes almost unstoppable.”

Coco's struggles

Henman, meanwhile, sympathised with Gauff’s difficulties. “With Coco, unfortunately it’s the opposite trend. The serve and forehand frailties under such a spotlight in your home Slam—it must be exhausting. Today she faced a Grand Slam champion at her best, and Osaka took full advantage. Hopefully Gauff now gets some time away from the media spotlight to work on things.”

Broady added that the timing of her struggles made it even tougher. “It was kind of the worst timing. She couldn’t really come into this tournament without addressing the serve. That’s why we were all out there with our cameras and phones watching her work with the biomechanics coach.

“But when you’re serving 16 double faults in a match before a Slam, you can’t just do nothing. It was really bad timing, and she needs to step away, decompress, and rebuild. There’s still plenty of the season left.”