NEW YORK — In a raw and emotional press conference following her third-round defeat at the 2024 US Open, American phenom Coco Gauff revealed the profound personal impact of her loss to Naomi Osaka, admitting she “broke down” in tears with her team after the match.
The highly anticipated night session clash on Arthur Ashe Stadium, a rematch of their iconic 2019 meeting, saw a resurgent Osaka deliver a commanding performance, defeating the third-seeded Gauff 6-4, 6-3. While the scoreline reflected Osaka’s dominance, the aftermath laid bare the emotional weight the match carried for the 20-year-old reigning US Open champion.
A Night of High Expectations and Harsh Reality
The atmosphere was electric from the first ball. Five years prior, a 15-year-old Gauff had captured the world’s heart in a tearful loss to her idol on the same court. This time, the roles were seemingly reversed: Gauff entered as the Grand Slam champion and Olympic gold medalist, while Osaka, a four-time major winner, was on a powerful comeback trail after becoming a mother. The expectation was for a triumphant passing of the torch, but Osaka had other plans.
Osaka’s serve was nearly unbreakable, and she consistently targeted Gauff’s forehand, exploiting a known weakness with relentless precision. Gauff fought valiantly, saving multiple break points, but was ultimately unable to crack Osaka’s focus or find her own best level. The match concluded after one hour and twenty minutes, leaving a stunned Ashe crowd and a visibly disappointed Gauff.
The Emotional Aftermath: A Champion's Vulnerability
It was in the locker room, away from the cameras, where the full force of the defeat hit Gauff. Speaking to reporters, she did not shy away from her vulnerability. “I was just crying. I broke down in the training room,” Gauff confessed. “I think I was just so disappointed in myself, you know? It’s just tough.”
She elaborated on the source of her disappointment, highlighting the personal significance of the matchup. This was more than just a third-round loss; it was a missed opportunity against a specific rival on the sport's biggest stage. “I really wanted to win this match, obviously. I think I had a lot of expectations on myself for this match.”
Gauff’s honesty provided a rare glimpse into the immense pressure top athletes carry. Her team, including coach Brad Gilbert, was there to offer support. “My team, they were positive. They were just saying, ‘It’s okay, you’ll get the next one.’ But in the moment, it just hurts.”
Praise for a "Fearless" Naomi Osaka
Despite her personal anguish, Gauff was gracious and analytical in her assessment of Osaka’s performance. She credited the Japanese star for playing what she described as “almost flawless” tennis and acknowledged the intimidating level her opponent brought to the court.
“She played amazing. There’s not much you can do when someone plays like that,” Gauff stated. “She was really fearless. She was going for her shots, and she wasn’t missing. When you play a player like that, you just have to tip your hat.”
This analysis underscores a key theme of Osaka’s comeback: a renewed aggression and mental fortitude. Gauff noted that Osaka’s serve, in particular, was a major difference-maker, a weapon that has always been the foundation of her success. The performance served as a stark reminder to the entire tour that Osaka, when focused and confident, remains one of the most formidable forces in the game.
Perspective and the Path Forward
After allowing herself a moment to grieve the loss, Gauff demonstrated the maturity that has defined her recent rise. She quickly shifted her focus to the bigger picture and the remainder of her season. “It’s one loss. I’ve had a great year. I won a Slam this year. I’m not going to let this match define my season.”
She outlined her immediate goals, which include competing in the WTA Finals and finishing the year strong. This ability to contextualize a painful defeat is a hallmark of champion mentality. Gauff’s journey has been marked by learning from setbacks, and she indicated this would be no different.
“I have to just feel the emotions, learn from it, and then move on. I’m going to get back to work. There’s still a lot to play for. This is not the end of the world, even though it feels like it right now.”
A Rivalry Rekindled and a Moment of Growth
The 2024 US Open clash adds another compelling chapter to the Gauff-Osaka narrative. While their first match was defined by Osaka’s compassion for a crying teenager, this one was defined by Gauff’s raw honesty and Osaka’s clinical brilliance. For Gauff, the experience, while painful, is a part of her continued evolution.
Her emotional reaction is not a sign of weakness but a testament to her passion and high standards. It shows she cares deeply, a quality that fuels her drive for improvement. The tennis world saw not just a player who lost, but a champion who feels losses deeply and uses them as fuel.
As the dust settles on Flushing Meadows, Coco Gauff’s tears will dry, but the lesson from this defeat will remain. Her journey continues, now with a renewed understanding that even at the pinnacle of the sport, there are moments of profound disappointment that must be faced, processed, and ultimately used to build a stronger foundation for the future.