As two of the brightest young stars in tennis, Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka are bound to be compared to each other. Knowing how athletes are covered in the media, it is only a matter of time before they are reported as rivals to each other. But it looks like all is well between the two young players, who actually think highly of each other.
Coco Gauff on Naomi Osaka comparisons
As a two-time Grand Slam winner, Osaka has earned admiration from young fans. It looks like Gauff is one of them. She said that she is a fan of Osaka’s fast rise to the top of the world rankings. In fact, Gauff has said that she hopes that she can get to Osaka’s level.
Gauff has also sung praises of Osaka’s work ethic and attitude. She said that Osaka has always been nice to her even when she was still a younger player (it’s interesting to notice that Coco is still only 15).
Naomi Osaka praises Gauff
Osaka, on the other hand, has also heaped compliments on Gauff. She thinks that Gauff is doing fine, considering that it is her first year competing in Grand Slam tournaments. She also said that their fathers know each other well and are good acquaintances.
She also tells of one time when they saw each other in the locker room. She saw Gauff, who was listening to something on her headphones. She approached her and talked with her for a while.
Before the U.S. Open started, Osaka was interviewed about the entry of wild card Gauff, after the latter’s headline-making victory over Venus Williams in Wimbledon. She defended Gauff from people who said that she was too young to play for the tournament and commended Gauff’s performance in the British tournament.
Osaka vs. Gauff and their live rankings
Osaka just recently sank Polish player Magda Linette in the second round of the U.S. Open. She prevailed over Linette with the score 6-2 6-4, earning her a better shot at defending her U.S. Open crown for the first time. Osaka previously defeated Linette in the opening rounds of the Australian Open in January, where she eventually won all thing.
Coco and Naomi have a completely different rank. The Japanese is the current world no.1 while Cori is just 140. However, in terms of live rankings, Naomi is no.4 as she needs to defend a lot of points, while Gauff is rocketing up (104). If the Japanese wins the next match, she will be no.3 in the live rankings. If the American surprises the world no.1, she will break in the top 100 (no.87)
Gauff at the U.S. Open and results in 2019
Ranked no.140 (career-high), Cori has a 12-5 win-loss record in 2019. The American is currently playing at the U.S. Open where she defeated Anastasia Potapova 3-6 6-2 6-4 and Timea Babos 6-2 4-6 6-4.
Gauff will play Naomi Osaka in the 3rd round. They have never played each so far on the main tour.
Osaka at the U.S. Open and results in 2019
Currently world no.1, Naomi has a 28-10 win-loss record in 2019. Osaka is currently playing at the U.S. Open where she defeated Anna Blinkova 6-4 6-75 6-2 and Magda Linette 6-2 6-4.
Osaka will play Gauff in the 3rd round. They have never played each so far on the main tour.
Osaka has won 1 title in 2019 at the Australian Open.
