**Coco Gauff Faces Tough Loss to Naomi Osaka at U.S. Open**
Coco Gauff experienced a heartbreaking defeat on Monday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where she was eliminated by Naomi Osaka in the Round of 16 at the U.S. Open. The No. 3-ranked American player expressed her emotional struggle following the match, admitting it was a challenging loss to process.
After losing 6-3, 6-2, Gauff shared her feelings with reporters, stating, “After the match, I was really disappointed. I kind of broke down to my team. Hearing their perspectives definitely brought some positivity. If I had continued playing the way I did in Cincinnati, I might have been out in the first round. So, I believe my serve has improved significantly since the start of the tournament.”
Prior to the U.S. Open, Gauff made a significant coaching change, parting ways with Matt Daly and enlisting biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan. This decision aimed to enhance her serve, and MacMillan has a track record of working with top players, including Aryna Sabalenka.
Despite feeling that her serve had improved, Gauff struggled with 33 unforced errors, which proved difficult to overcome against Osaka, a two-time U.S. Open champion and the No. 23 seed in this tournament. Looking ahead, Gauff acknowledged the need to refine her overall game. “I feel like now I just have to get everything to work together,” she noted. “I knew it would be a tough tournament. I felt confident after my last match, so today’s loss feels more disappointing than if I had lost in the first or second round.”
Osaka, on the other hand, showcased an impressive performance throughout the tournament, particularly in her match against Gauff. “I was super locked in,” she remarked after her victory. “I felt like everyone wanted to watch a really great match, and I hope that’s what you got.” This marks Osaka’s first quarterfinal appearance at a Grand Slam since her Australian Open win in 2021. She has openly discussed her mental health challenges and took a break from the sport, returning after giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in 2023.
Osaka is set to face No. 11 Karolína Muchová in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
**FAQ**
*What did Coco Gauff say about her loss to Naomi Osaka?*
Coco Gauff expressed disappointment after her loss, stating she broke down emotionally but found some positivity in her team’s perspectives and acknowledged improvements in her serve.