Tennis
Coco Gauff’s heartwarming message to Naomi Osaka during the US Open
Coco Gauff sent a heartfelt message to her fellow tennis star, Naomi Osaka, following her qualification for the U.S. Open Final.
Coco Gauff can take pride in her advancement to the US Open finals. After a match delay on Thursday, September 7, due to climate activists using the event for protest, the 19-year-old secured her spot in the finals following a victory over Karolina Muchova, the tenth seed. In attendance, watching the thrilling match, was Naomi Osaka, along with her mother, Tamaki.
Following her triumphant 6-4, 7-5 win over Muchova, Gauff addressed a few questions on the microphone. In the president’s box sat Osaka, a two-time US Open champion in 2018 and 2020.
“I didn’t notice she was sitting here til now. Thanks for coming,” Gauff said.
Notably, Osaka and Gauff faced each other in the third round of the 2019 US Open, with Osaka winning in straight sets, 6-3, 6-0. The match garnered attention for the sportsmanship and mutual respect displayed by both players.
Related: How much money has Coco Gauff earned in her career?
After the match, Osaka provided comfort to a visibly upset Gauff, reminiscing about their previous encounter on the same court. Gauff said, “Naomi, I remember the moment we had on this court three years ago. It meant a lot to me.”
Osaka, aged 25, welcomed her first child, daughter Shai, in July with Cordae. She confirmed her return to tennis in 2024 this week. Gauff expressed her excitement for Osaka’s return and extended greetings to her mom.
Gauff’s journey to victory
Gauff, currently the 6th seed, is the third youngest woman to reach two Grand Slam finals and the youngest American woman to do so since Serena Williams in 1999. In the upcoming finals, she will face Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka, who will ascend to the number 1 ranking on Monday, irrespective of the US Open final’s outcome.
The victor of the title will also receive the official trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Co. has extended its partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), marking 37 years of crafting all tournament trophies, including the keepsake trophies presented to winners.
As a new addition, this year Tiffany & Co. will engrave the keepsake trophies with the winners’ names on-site, ensuring immediate readiness for the champions, as reported by National Jeweler.