Coco Gauff’s emotional US Open run has been ended by Naomi Osaka, with the two-time champion having brushed aside her young opponent, 6-3, 6-2.
It was a statement victory for the Japanese superstar, who will have put the rest of her peers on notice with the way she went about dismantling the world number three.
She never stood a chance against Naomi Osaka’s relentless pressure and power, culminating in the heavy scoreline and the constantly disgruntled looks Coco Gauff exerted.
However, there is cause for optimism within the American’s camp, as it could be argued that losing to Osaka might actually be a good thing.
Coco Gauff knocked out of the US Open by Naomi Osaka
After all, losing to a player of her quality and stature is nothing to be ashamed of.
Gauff was playing with the pressure of a nation on her back, and yet had no form to suggest she was ready to challenge for the title she won back in 2023.
This was clearly taking a heavy toll on her, as she even revealed she suffered from a panic attack midway through her win over Donna Vekic.
So, to exit at the hands of a respected name will ease any scrutiny placed on her and finally afford her time to work with her new coach. Osaka spoke glowingly about Gauff immediately after the match, praising her conduct on court, and admitting she actually looked up to her.
After all, many are expecting huge changes now in the coming months after Gauff hired Gavin MacMillan right before the US Open started.
Coco Gauff now has more time to work with Gavin MacMillan
Although it might sound ridiculous to suggest that losing a Grand Slam match could be beneficial, Gauff represents a unique case.
After all, seldom have we seen a player of her magnitude make such a huge overhaul on the eve of a major, sacking her coaching team in order to bring in biomechanics expert MacMillan.
The minute she made this move, the youngster seemingly sacrificed all chances of pushing for the title.
Admittedly, her form in the run-up to the US Open gave her little chance either.
If there is to be any benefit from this Osaka defeat, at the very least it will give her ample time away from tournament play to focus on fixing the fundamental issues with her game.
Not only that, but it finally brings to an end what has been a highly emotional week for the top-ranked American, who cut a tearful figure on multiple occasions before her defeat earlier today.
Winning ugly was not benefiting Gauff at all, and she was not developing as a player by staggering through the tournament. Only now that she has been knocked out can she truly start to work on her key weaknesses, thus explaining why defeat at this stage could actually be a good thing.
