Naomi Osaka is into her first Grand Slam quarter-final since returning to tennis nearly two years ago, having beaten Coco Gauff at the US Open.
It was a comprehensive, statement performance from the two-time champion at this event, sweeping aside the American favourite in straight sets.
In all honesty, the result never seemed in doubt, as the 21-year-old saw countless errors fly off her racket once again, unable to deal with the power and direction of Naomi Osaka’s ball.
For Coco Gauff, it is back to the drawing board, and she will be keen to finally get some crucial minutes on the practice court with new coach Gavin MacMillan.
However, for Osaka, she is starting to look like a genuine threat for this US Open title.
Naomi Osaka reacts to beating Coco Gauff at the US Open
After all, a result like this, winning in such straightforward fashion, is sure to send shockwaves throughout the WTA tour.
Speaking on court immediately after dumping Gauff out of the tournament, she began by stating: “I am a little sensitive and I don’t want to cry, but I just had so much fun out here. I was telling everyone I was in the stands two months after I gave birth to my daughter watching Coco, and I just really wanted an opportunity to come out and play. This is my favourite court in the world, and it means so much for me to be back here.
“I just want to say a really big thank you to my team. We have been through a lot, and it hasn’t always been easy, but thank you guys. Love you.”
Then outlining what she saw as the turning point in her form, Osaka continued: “I have played a match in Montreal where I had to save two match points, so ever since then I started thinking anything is possible. You just have to have a smile on your face.”
The four-time Grand Slam champion concluded by giving her honest thoughts on Gauff: “It’s definitely really special. Honestly, I look up to her a lot.
“I think the way that she conducts herself is really special. To be such an amazing role model at such a young age is a gift and a talent that she has, and I have all the respect in the world for her.”
Ahead of the match, Osaka gave her honest opinion on having to face Gauff in America. It seems like any fears about the crowd have certainly been put to rest.
Naomi Osaka has to be considered a US Open title contender
If people didn’t think Osaka could win the US Open before tonight, they certainly must do now.
After all, having already won the event twice, it would have been foolish to write her off regardless of how she was playing in the lead-up.
However, she was returning to New York coming off the back of a vicious return to form, having stormed into the final of the Canadian Open before inexplicably losing to Victoria Mboko.
There, she showed glimpses that the Osaka of old was coming back out.
Tonight confirmed not only that she is back, but that she is ready to rewrite history.
Bet against Osaka at your own peril. If she plays the rest of the US Open like that, there are but a handful of players on the entire tour who could possibly stop her.
