Naomi Osaka shared her memories of facing Coco Gauff for the first time at the US Open six years ago, a match that has since become a defining moment in both players’ careers. At the time, Gauff was just 15 years old, stepping into the spotlight with poise and promise. Osaka, already a Grand Slam champion, saw something special in her opponent that night.
A glimpse of greatness
“My recollections were that I remember just knowing that she was going to be a really great tennis player, which I was right,” Osaka said. Her words carried a sense of pride and admiration, not only for Gauff’s talent but for the way she handled herself under pressure. That match ended in straight sets in Osaka’s favor, but the emotional exchange between the two at the net and during the joint interview left a lasting impression.
A moment that still resonates
Looking back, Osaka described the experience as meaningful and surreal. “She was what, 15, at the time. And I thought she just handled herself really well and I knew she was going to be back there,” she recalled. The image of a young Gauff holding her own on one of tennis’s biggest stages has stayed with Osaka, who now finds herself preparing to face Gauff again in a new chapter of their rivalry.
Time and growth
“To be playing her again after six years, I don’t know if that makes me old,” Osaka joked, acknowledging how much has changed since their first meeting. Both players have grown in stature, skill, and maturity. For Osaka, the reunion feels personal. “Just to be at this point of my life and to be playing her again honestly for me feels kind of special,” she said.
A rivalry built on respect
As they prepare to meet once more at the US Open, the dynamic between Osaka and Gauff is one of mutual respect and recognition. Their shared history adds depth to the upcoming match, reminding fans of how far they’ve come—and how far they still aim to go. For Osaka, the memory of that first encounter is not just about the scoreline, but about witnessing the rise of a player she always believed in.
Gauff at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2025
Now ranked no.3, Gauff achieved a composed 38-12 win-loss record in 2025. Gauff is currently competing at the U.S. Open where she managed to beat the world no.79 Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4 6-7(2) 7-5, the world no.49 Donna Vekic 7-6(5) 6-2 and the world no.33 Magdalena Frech 6-3 6-1.
Cori Gauff will square off with the world no.24 Naomi Osaka in the 4th
round. Their actual head to head record is 3-2 for Gauff.Coco has won 2 titles in 2025 in Australia and French Open. Coco was the runner-up in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
The American won 11 titles in her career: 7 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Osaka at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2025
Ranked world no.24, Osaka has a 30-12 match record in 2025. Naomi is now playing at the U.S. Open where she bested the world no.106 Greetje Minnen 6-3 6-4, the world no.47 Hailey Baptiste 6-3 6-1 and the world no.18 Daria Kasatkina 6-0 4-6 6-3.
Naomi Osaka will compete against the world no.3 Coco Gauff in the 4th round. Their current head to head is 3-2 for Gauff.
The Japanese clinched 1 title in 2025 in the Malo. Osaka was the runner-up in Auckland (ASB Classic) and in Montreal (Omnium Banque Nationale).
Naomi won 7 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)
Cori Gauff and Naomi Osaka played each other 5 times. Their head to head is 3-2 for Gauff.