'Can Somebody Come And Cheer For Me?': Naomi Osaka On Facing 'Little Sister' Coco Gauff At US Open

Last Updated:August 31, 2025, 11:41 IST

Naomi Osaka faces Coco Gauff in a highly anticipated U.S. Open fourth-round clash, marking a special reunion as Gauff defends her title and Osaka seeks a comeback milestone.

Osaka shall face off against Gauff in the fourth round of the US Open (AP)

The U.S. Open will deliver one of its most anticipated matchups on Monday as four-time major winner Naomi Osaka is set to take on her ‘little sister’/defending champion Coco Gauff in a fourth-round clash.

Osaka battled past 15th seed Daria Kasatkina 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 on Saturday, showing flashes of her championship pedigree mixed with the rust of a comeback season.

Yet, as soon as the match ended, her focus shifted to the player she has long admired — and now must try to beat.

“Can somebody come to the match and cheer for me because… it’s tough playing an American here," Osaka joked to the crowd on Louis Armstrong Stadium.

“I hope you guys adopted me as well. I see her as a little sister."

The remark drew a warm reception and highlighted the special bond between the two stars, forged in part at Flushing Meadows back in 2019 when Osaka comforted a then-15-year-old Gauff after defeating her in straight sets.

From Consolation to Competition

Five years ago, Osaka, already a two-time Grand Slam champion, insisted Gauff join her for the on-court interview, praising her maturity and potential in front of a global audience.

Now, Gauff is no longer the teen prodigy but the reigning champion and a top contender for the title, while Osaka is rediscovering her rhythm after time away from the sport.

“I knew she was going to be a great player, which I was right," Osaka said of Gauff.

“She was 15 at the time and handled herself so well. To be playing her again now feels really special."

For Osaka, this is her first run to the fourth round of a Slam since her 2021 Australian Open triumph — a significant milestone in her patient return. For Gauff, the challenge is defending her crown in front of an expectant home crowd.

With Gauff defending her title and Osaka chasing redemption, their “sisterly" showdown may well define this U.S. Open.

(with Reuters inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location :

First Published:

August 31, 2025, 11:37 IST

News sports 'Can Somebody Come And Cheer For Me?': Naomi Osaka On Facing 'Little Sister' Coco Gauff At US Open

Read More