2025 US Open underdogs Naomi Osaka and Felix Auger-Aliassime advance into quarterfinals

THE US Open’s Labor Day on Monday largely belonged to the underdogs, as Naomi Osaka and Felix Auger-Aliassime delivered commanding performances that carried them back to Grand Slam quarterfinals after years in the wilderness.

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Osaka looked every bit the four-time major champion while dismantling third seed Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-2 in 64 minutes, making her first Flushing Meadows quarterfinal in five years with a display that mixed power with poise at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I’m a little sensitive and I don’t want to cry. I had so much fun out here,” said Osaka, whose smile never left her face during the dominant victory.

“A big thank you to my team. We've been through a lot, it hasn’t been easy but they have been by my side.”

For Gauff, defeat marked another chapter in a challenging post-French Open period. Despite serving better than she had all tournament, the American made crucial errors from the baseline in areas where she typically excels.

“Today she was definitely on paper the underdog,” Gauff said of her 23"-seeded opponent, acknowledging the upset.