Will Gauff Bounce Back After Loss to Osaka at US Open?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Coco Gauff remains determined to improve despite setbacks.
- She aims to treat the rest of the season as a training opportunity.
- Gauff recognizes the pressure she faces as a young athlete.
- Her reflections show a commitment to personal and professional growth.
- She plans to enhance her serve ahead of future tournaments.
New York, Sep 2 (NationPress) Following a tough defeat against Naomi Osaka in the fourth round of the US Open, the 2023 champion Coco Gauff expressed feelings of emptiness and being overwhelmed during her encounter with the Japanese star. However, she is determined to concentrate on her future growth.
In front of a crowded and enthusiastic Arthur Ashe Stadium, Gauff faced a straight-set defeat, 6-3, 6-2, to the four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka.
At only 21, Gauff has participated in 25 Grand Slam main draws and has clinched two major titles.
“I tend to place a lot of pressure on myself at 21, especially when I see other players finding success at 25 or 26. This motivates me to think about what I could achieve in four years if I keep working hard and making the right choices,” Gauff shared during the post-match press conference.
During her second-round clash with Donna Vekic, the pressure of her efforts finally took its toll, leading her to tears during the match. Yet she managed to advance and performed well in the third round against Magdalena Frech.
Gauff acknowledged feeling somewhat hollow during her match with Osaka. “It’s disappointing. I didn’t bring the level I aimed for, but I view this as progress. I felt a bit empty today—she made me work for every point,” Gauff stated.
“I assure you, I don’t feel defeated right now. I refuse to let this experience break me. I’m looking forward to the future and focusing on improvements. I hope to develop significantly as a player and a person by next year,” she added.
“I know the areas I need to enhance, and I believe I'm making the right choices in those regards,” Gauff continued. “I wish there was more time between this tournament and Cincinnati, but I’ll work with what I have,” she concluded.
The American rising star mentioned that she intends to treat the remainder of the season as a training phase for the 2026 Australian Open, focusing on enhancing her serve.
“No matter what happens this year, I want to see improvement. Results are secondary. The progress in my serve from the start of the tournament to now has been significant. Now, I need to get everything to sync,” Gauff stated.