By Noah Zimmerman
noah@queensledger.com
It was busy in Flushing this year as One million people attended the US Open!
Six years and six combined major titles since their iconic first matchup, women’s tennis stars Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff took the court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens. In one of the most riveting matchups of a thrilling tournament, the Japanese-born Osaka downed the world #3 in two sets, 6-3 and 6-2.
The Round of 16 win sends Osaka to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam event for the first time since she won the Australian Open in 2021. Since her return to play last year she wasn’t able to escape the third round, making it that far at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Gauff made her fourth consecutive trip to the US Open’s fourth round which included a 2023 title. She also looked to build to a successful 2025 that saw her capture a second Grand Slam title at the French Open.
Unfortunately for the home favorite, Gauff was quickly overmatched by a hungry Osaka. She went after Coco’s forehand side and drew consistent errors for a quick lead. In the second set Osaka sent more of the same barrage as she made a statement with a straight set victory.
The head-to-head record now stands at 3 apiece with Osaka leading in slam matches 2-1. It’s a similar result to their famed 2019 third-round match at the US Open, with Gauff now the same age Osaka was when they first matched up at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
On Wednesday, Osaka’s US Open continued with a quarterfinal matchup against #11 ranked Karlolina Muchová. The winner would advance to take on #8 Amanda Anisimova or #2 Iga Swiatek in a semifinal match on Thursday. The women’s singles championship game will be held on September 6.
