The Round of 16 showdown between former U.S. Open champions Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka was one of the most highly-anticipated of the major tournament thus far. While the American audience definitely leaned towards rooting for Gauff, Osaka dominated in the match on Monday afternoon.
The two-time U.S. Open champion won 6-3, 6-2 over the top-ranked American star and 2023 champion. Osaka will move onto the quarterfinals, which is the furthest she's reached at the U.S. Open since winning the tournament in 2020. Osaka's only reached five major quarterfinals in her career; she won four of those titles.
Naomi Osaka’s biggest win since⁉️
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2025
The two-time champion takes out world No.3 Gauff in straight sets, 6-3 6-2! pic.twitter.com/UoOOeywLD5
It's been an emotional tournament for the 21-year-old Gauff. The American quickly walked off the court after the loss. She was in tears during her second-round win last Thursday as she's clearly been struggling mentally out on the court. She's seen Osaka as an inspiration in many ways, but especially in the mental health aspect as the Japanese star has taken time away from the sport to focus on her mental health.
It was fitting that six years ago when Gauff and Osaka faced each other at the U.S. Open, Osaka comforted the 15-year-old Gauff when she struggled to control her emotions after the loss. A friendship and mentorship blossomed between them then. Osaka even said in her post-match interview on Monday that she "looks up to" Gauff, too.
More on Sports Illustrated
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Naomi Osaka Upsets Coco Gauff in Highly-Anticipated U.S. Open Rematch.
