In 2019, a young Coco Gauff made headlines by defeating tennis legend Venus Williams. However, it was her remarkable victory over the defending champion Naomi Osaka at the 2020 Australian Open that showcased her burgeoning talent.
Gauff, then just 16 years old, faced Osaka in a thrilling battle. Despite Osaka’s status as the defending champion and a formidable opponent, Gauff emerged victorious, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Reflecting on her improbable journey, Gauff expressed disbelief at her own progress, stating, “What is my life like? Oh my gosh. Like last year, no two years ago, I lost the first round in juniors, and now I’m here, and this is crazy.”
The post-match elation for Gauff contrasted with Osaka’s difficult experience. The Japanese player, who had been aiming for her third Grand Slam title, struggled to mentally recover from the loss. Months later, Osaka candidly shared her challenges with the world, revealing the impact the defeat had on her.
In the midst of defending her title, Osaka faced an inspired Gauff who had her own mission in mind. The young American’s victory not only advanced her to the fourth round of the tournament but also left a lasting impression on the tennis world.
While Gauff couldn’t extend her run in the tournament and was eliminated in the fourth round, she returned home with a significant triumph. The win over Osaka served as a testament to her potential and signaled her intent to compete at the highest level.
For Osaka, the loss marked a difficult period, grappling with the mental aftermath of falling short in her title defense. The contrasting reactions of the two players underscored the emotional rollercoaster that is professional tennis, where victories and defeats leave indelible marks on the athletes.
As both Gauff and Osaka continue their tennis journeys, this clash at the 2020 Australian Open remains a memorable chapter, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sport and the resilience required to navigate its challenges.
Coco Gauff in 2024
Now the world no.4, the American played her last match on the 7th of January when she beat world no.23 Elina Svitolina 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 in the final in Auckland to win her 7th career title.
At the moment, during this season Gauff has managed to achieve a compiled 5-0 record. The American conquered 1 title in Auckland.
Naomi Osaka in 2024
Now the world no.833, the Japanese played her last match on the 3rd of January when she lost to world no.37 Karolina Pliskova 3-6 7-6(4) 6-4 in the 2nd round in Brisbane (draw).
At present, during this year Naomi has managed to achieve an overall 1-1 win-loss record.
Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka fought against each other 4 times. The head to head is 2-2. The last time they played, Coco Gauff won 6-4 6-4 in the 2nd round in San Jose (Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic) in August 2022.
In the following video you can watch the key moments of their match.
Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka |
| Embed from Getty Images |