Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff’s fourth-round clash is, by some distance, the most highly anticipated match of the US Open by far.
After all, it pits two former champions against one another, both of whom have endured various struggles to get to where they are today.
This showdown sees two of the sport’s most iconic figures of recent years meet on the biggest stage in tennis, with the younger of the two certain to be backed by her home crowd, likely on the fierce Arthur Ashe Stadium.
However, despite the expectation that the atmosphere will favour Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka has sought to make one small request before their match, before previewing the prospect of playing the 21-year-old for the sixth time in her career.
Naomi Osaka makes request to US Open crowd for Coco Gauff match
Speaking on court after her third-round win, the Japanese star first asked the crowd: “Can somebody come to the match and cheer for me because…”, drawing applause from the onlookers.
She continued: “I mean, it’s kind of tough playing an American here, but I hope you guys kind of adopted me as well, so… I don’t know. I kind of also see her as a little sister, so it’s really cool to be playing her here again.”
Then, focusing on the win she had just gained, Osaka revealed what she told herself just before claiming the vital third set: “Honestly, I was just trying to tell myself to stay calm.
“I was so, like, shaky today, but I was really glad, but I think it was an entertaining match, and I was really glad that you guys are very… I was glad that, you know, whenever I come here, it feels like home, and you guys were so involved, and I feel really grateful, so thank you.”
She finished by sharing her pride at once again being in the second week of a major: “Yeah, I mean, it’s been a really long journey, but I’m glad to be here now. Honestly, that wasn’t really in my mind while I was playing.
“I was just really passionate about the match today, so thank you.”
Alongside the crowd, Gauff has hinted she has a slight advantage over Osaka ahead of their US Open clash early next week.
Naomi Osaka’s experience could be crucial vs Coco Gauff
Although the crowd will obviously be pulling for Gauff, Osaka has more than enough experience to deal with such a situation.
After all, it’s worth remembering that she swept aside Serena Williams to win the first of her two titles in New York, inarguably the greatest female American tennis player of all time.
Not only that, but it has been well-documented that the youngster has been enduring various crises in recent months.
Both her serve and her forehand have been misfiring, and it feels like it takes a top-level ball striker to truly make her pay for these weaknesses.
Gauff hired Gavin MacMillan on the eve of the US Open, but he is no miracle-worker.
Osaka, with clear deficiencies to target and a track record of succeeding despite being against the crowd, should have more than enough to push the 2023 US Open champion to her limits.
