The return to the top: Naomi Osaka stuns Coco Gauff to reach US Open quarterfinals

Naomi Osaka earned one of the biggest wins of her career, defeating world No. 3 Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the US Open quarterfinals. The 4-time major champion returns to the quarterfinal stage of a Grand Slam, eliminating the defending 2023 champion.

The former world No. 1 returns to the US Open quarterfinals, having won the title in both of her previous two appearances at this stage (2018, 2020). The former world No. 1 is back at her best level and will fight for a spot in the semifinals against the winner of the match between Marta Kostyuk and Karolina Muchova.

First Set

In the first set, Osaka quickly took the lead with an early break and a strong service game, going up 2-0. The world No. 3 managed to improve and hold her service games, not showing the issues she had in previous rounds. However, unforced errors slowly started to add up.

Gauff stayed close to Osaka for several games but couldn't threaten the Japanese player's powerful service games. Osaka won 89% of her service points, compared to Gauff's 56%. This allowed Osaka to get her second break opportunity at 5-3 and take the set 6-3. Osaka didn't have to do much, with a total of 6 winners and 5 unforced errors, while Gauff had 5 winners and 16 unforced errors.

Second Set

Gauff didn't have the serving problems of previous matches, but she continued to be plagued by unforced errors. The start of the second set seemed to indicate Gauff was back in the battle, as she comfortably held her first service games, though she still couldn't threaten Osaka's great efficiency on serve. The score reached 2-2 with neither player able to create a big difference.

However, the 4-time major champion showed she could keep her composure until the very end, and with solid service games, she stayed ahead. The break came in the 6th game—again on her first opportunity—giving her a 5-2 lead and leaving the match all but sealed.

It was then that the pressure seemed to get to Gauff. From being up 40-15, she gave away several consecutive points with unforced errors, and Osaka easily claimed a 6-3, 6-2 victory to advance to the quarterfinals in just 1 hour and 6 minutes. The Japanese player was impressive, winning 95% of her first-serve points and 77% on her second, while Gauff's performance was marked by 33 unforced errors to only 8 winners.

What’s next for Osaka?

Osaka returns to a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the first time since the 2021 Australian Open—an occasion where she ended up winning the title. In fact, in all four of her previous Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances, Osaka has gone on to win the tournament. Her next challenge will be the winner of the match between Marta Kostyuk and Karolina Muchova.

Match Statistics Osaka vs. Gauff