New York: Naomi Osaka produced a commanding performance to beat third seed Coco Gauff 6-3 6-2 in a highly expected showdown in the fourth round between two former US open champions on Monday.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka showed blinks of her old brilliance as she took control of the match from the start, while the 2023 champion Gauff fought with his forehand and servant.
The result was transporting Osaka into the flushing Meadows quarterfinals for the first time in five years, and she will next play either Czech 11.
Monday’s showdown first marked that the two fan favorites had met in New York since their memorable clash in 2019 when the then 15-year-old Gauff lost against Osaka.
