Osaka Is Having Fun On Pet Court

Japanese relishes 'uncharted territory' after taming Gauff in clash of former champions

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NEW YORK - Naomi Osaka delivered a statement win at the US Open by thrashing home favourite Coco Gauff in the last 16 on Sept 1, as Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek also charged into the quarter-finals.

The Japanese star powered past third seed Gauff 6-3, 6-2 in a highly anticipated but lopsided fourth-round showdown of former US Open champions on the Labour Day holiday in New York.

She broke in the very first game in front of an expectant Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd and was untouchable on serve in a ruthless display against a misfiring Gauff, who hit 33 unforced errors.

"This is my favourite court in the world and it means so much to me to be back today," said Osaka, who looks primed for a tilt at a fifth Grand Slam.

"This is kind of uncharted territory at this point of my career. I'm just enjoying it. I'm having fun."

The 27-year-old, a two-time US Open champion, is enjoying her deepest run at a Slam since winning her second Australian Open title in 2021.

It has been a painstaking climb back towards the top of the game for Osaka, who returned to tennis in 2024 following the birth of her daughter in 2023.