Osaka and Gauff Set for US Open Showdown, Rekindling Rivalry
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NEW YORK – Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka will face off in a highly anticipated third-round match at the 2023 US Open, marking their first Grand Slam encounter as the 2019 edition of the tournament. The match pits the rising American star, Gauff, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, against the resurgent former world No. 1, Osaka, who is making a compelling comeback after a period of personal challenges.
The pair have met four times previously, with Osaka holding a 3-1 advantage. Their only US Open clash occurred in 2019, when Osaka defeated a then-15-year-old Gauff in three sets. osaka also prevailed in their 2020 Australian Open meeting, while Gauff secured her lone victory in the 2021 Cincinnati Masters. This match represents a critically important moment for both players, with Gauff aiming to avenge past defeats and Osaka seeking to further solidify her return to form.
Reflecting on Past Encounters
Gauff acknowledged the pressure she felt during their 2019 US Open match, stating, “I remember it was a tough moment for me because it was a hyped-up match. I guess I put way too much pressure on myself thinking I maybe had a chance in that moment to actually do something, which I definitely did, but I think it was just I felt more expectation that I should than maybe belief. Then when I played her in Australia, that was more belief than expectation.” She expressed hope for a different outcome this time, calling it a “cool kind of déjà vu type of situation.”
Osaka views Gauff with a sisterly affection, saying, “I kind of see her as a little sister so it’s kind of cool to be playing her here again. To be playing her again after six years, I don’t know if that makes me old, but just to be at this point of my life and to be playing her again is honestly, for me, feels kind of special.” She added, “I’m honestly excited to play her now, because I feel healthy, and I just want to see what happens.”
The Path to the Third Round
Gauff reached the third round with straight-set victories over Laura Siegemund and Elena Gabriela Ruse. Osaka,meanwhile,has demonstrated strong form,defeating priscilla Hon and Danielle Collins to advance. She recently reached the final of the Canada Open, signaling a return to the level that saw her claim two US Open titles (2018, 2020) and a total of four Grand Slam championships.
What to Expect
Despite Osaka not reaching a Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2021, the match is considered a closely contested affair. A key pattern in their previous encounters is the importance of winning the first set; in four of their five matches, the player who claimed the initial set ultimately won the match. Gauff will benefit from strong home-court support, but the pressure of playing in front of a partisan crowd could prove challenging. Osaka’s recent form and renewed confidence make her a formidable opponent.
Prediction: Three sets, to Osaka.
