FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y. — Six years have passed since a 15-year-old Coco Gauff made her much-anticipated debut against Naomi Osaka, the reigning queen of tennis, in front of 24,000 enthusiastic fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match concluded with a disappointing score of 6-3, 6-0, but left an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.
For both players, that initial encounter was a turning point. Osaka reflected on their shared history after her three-set victory over Daria Kasatkina, stating, “We had a really special moment here that a lot of people remember.” Now, as Gauff and Osaka prepare to face each other again, both have undergone significant transformations in their careers and personal lives.
The First Meeting
During their first match in 2019, Gauff was still finding her footing as a professional athlete, with her parents and coaches sporting t-shirts that read “Call me Coco.” At the time, she was often referred to by her full name, Cori. In contrast, Osaka was at the peak of her career as the world No. 1 and the defending champion.
Gauff later recounted her feelings of intense pressure during that match. “I remember it was a tough moment for me,” Gauff admitted after defeating Magdalena Fręch prior to Osaka’s match. “I put way too much pressure on myself thinking I maybe had a chance.” In that moment, the weight of expectations overwhelmed her, and as she struggled on the court, Gauff fought back tears.
A Memorable Interview
The match’s conclusion took an unexpected turn when Osaka approached Gauff at the net. Rather than just offering consolation, Osaka, channeling her inner ESPN producer, encouraged Gauff to join her for the post-match interview. “Why not speak to them?” Osaka suggested, referring to the crowd. Fernández, the interviewer, was taken aback by the moment, recalling, “I realized I was going to be doing a dual interview.”
As they stood at the microphones, the crowd cheered, further prompting Gauff’s emotions. In a shaky voice, she expressed gratitude to Osaka: “She told me that I did amazing and good luck… then she asked if I could do the on-court interview with her and I said no because I knew I was going to cry the whole time.”
Current Landscape
The landscape is dramatically different heading into their upcoming U.S. Open match. Gauff, now 21 and a two-time Grand Slam champion, is the tournament’s brightest star and highest-paid female athlete. Her image is ubiquitous throughout the event.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion at age 27, has faced her own challenges, stepping back from the sport to focus on her mental health and welcoming her first child, Shai. While not in the same financial spotlight as before, she carries an aura of stardom and appears to be regaining her form.
Reflections on Growth
Both players acknowledge their changing roles since their first meeting. Gauff, while still feeling the pressures of competition, now finds herself as a peer and admirer of Osaka. “I remain a huge supporter of Osaka, a trailblazer,” Gauff shared. Their bond solidified during the tumultuous summer of 2020 when both used their platforms to address social justice issues.
Their paths have intertwined in various ways since that first match; after giving birth to her daughter, Osaka watched Gauff rise to success, witnessing her triumphs and struggles from the sidelines. “I came and watched Coco play her semis, and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to play again at this level,” Osaka recounted of her experience during Gauff’s first Grand Slam final.
Looking Ahead
As they prepare for their long-awaited rematch, both players aim to showcase their talents at Arthur Ashe Stadium yet again. Currently, they hold a 2-2 head-to-head record, not including a previous encounter where Osaka had to retire due to injury. With both women poised for success, the upcoming match promises not just a battle on the court but a celebration of their incredible journeys.
As they step onto the court, the echoes of their past encounter and the weight of their current achievements will only add to the stakes, making this a highly anticipated showdown.
