Tears flow as Osaka ousts Gauff
First, the tears came from Coco Gauff, as the 15-year-old American’s US Open came to an end against defending champion and No 1 seed Naomi Osaka.
Then it was Osaka’s turn to cry, moments after comforting Gauff with a hug and some words of encouragement yesterday.
Gauff has generated all sorts of attention already by becoming the youngest woman to win two matches at Flushing Meadows since 1996, her follow-up to making it to the second week at Wimbledon in July.
In this much-hyped showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York yesterday that ended 6-3, 6-0 in Osaka’s favour, Gauff often looked exactly as she is: an immensely talented player still learning her way at tennis’ top level.
She pounded serves at up to 191kmh but also double-faulted seven times. She overcame a slow start to get within 4-3 in the opening set but also dropped the last eight games in a row.
‘‘She told me I did amazing,’’ Gauff said during an unusual oncourt interview for a match’s loser, something that was Osaka’s idea, knowing the way the packed house was supporting her opponent. ‘‘I’m going to learn from this whole match. She’s been so sweet to me.’’
Don’t forget: The US Open was only the second Slam for Gauff, who was ranked No 313 at the start of Wimbledon and is now No 140.
Osaka’s advantages in age — she’s 21 – and accomplishments – she is a two-time major champion, including at the Australian Open this January, played a role. So, too, did her on-target power, which resulted in a 24-8 edge in winners.
‘‘For me, this is the most focused I’ve been since Australia,’’ said Osaka, who’s had an up-and-down season since earning that trophy and is wearing a black sleeve on the left knee that’s been problematic lately.
Addressing Gauff, she said: ‘‘I’m so sorry for playing you [with] this type of mentality.’’
When it ended, after merely 65 minutes, Gauff began to bawl on the sideline. Osaka approached her and they spoke, briefly.
They’re both based in Florida now and have known each other for a few years.next for Osaka is a match tomorrow against 13thseeded Belinda Bencic, of Switzerland, with a quarterfinal berth at stake. Bencic advanced when Anett Kontaveit of Estonia, withdrew with a viral illness.
Other matchups tomorrow will be American qualifier Taylor Townsend v No 15 Bianca Andreescu, of Canada, American wildcard Kristie Ahn v No 25 Elise Mertens, and No 23 Donna Vekic, of Croatia, v No 26 Julia Goerges.
Moving into the men’s fourth round with victories were threetime champion Rafael Nadal and 2014 title winner Marin Cilic, the only past grand slam champions on their half of the draw and now must face each other. Cilic, the No 22 seed, overcame his own 17 double-faults and withstood 40 aces from 14th-seeded American John Isner to win 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (6), 6-4.
Other winner’s included No 6 Alexander Zverev, while the evercombustible Nick Kyrgios made a typically dramatic exit.
Kyrgios claimed video games were ruining him and demanded a linesman be removed during his 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 third-round loss to Russian Andrey Rublev.
Townsend’s serve-and-volley style against the 19-year-old Andreescu’s scrambling baseline abilities should provide a fascinating contrast.
Heading to practice before her 6-4, 6-4 victory over 2018 Australian Open champion and twotime US Open runner-up Caroline Wozniacki yesteray, Andreescu ran into Gauff.
Just a quick chat between a couple of teens who are showing that the up-and-coming generation of players could have a lot of good things in store.
‘‘That was actually the first time we met face-to-face,’’ Andreescu said. ‘‘I told her: Congrats on all the success. Keep killing it. ‘Nextgen’ is here.’’