Naomi Osaka captured her first Grand Slam a year ago at the US Open and who can forget the scenes at the end of that title-decider? The whole fiasco between Serena Williams and the chair umpire Ramos had mired the conclusion, with the newly crowned champion crying, and Serena consoling her and exhorting the fans to celebrate her win?
Something similar was seen yesterday after the defending champion had waltzed past the new teenage American sensation Cori Gauff.
Osaka Makes Easy Work of Gauff
The matchup between Osaka and Gauff had many fans smacking their lips with anticipation. The young Japanese had burst on the scene a mere 12 months ago by capturing her first slam.
On the other hand, Gauff displayed her potential just a few months ago at Wimbledon by becoming the youngest player to qualify for the main draw in the Open Era.
She was just 15 years and three months at the time. She beat Venus Williams in her first round at Wimbledon to gain everyone’s attention, eventually losing to Simona Halep in the fourth round.
Many expected fireworks when the two met yesterday, especially since Osaka’s form had tapered off since the Australian Open but a determined world number had no trouble overcoming Gauff 6-3, 6-0.
Class. Act. ?
After defeating Coco Gauff in straight sets, Naomi Osaka asked the 15-year-old to join her for the encore interview. pic.twitter.com/kcat7fRggr
— espnW (@espnW) September 1, 2019
Osaka Consoles Gauff
Gauff was visibly upset and emotional after her meek showing in front of her home crowd. And as she fought back her tears, Gauff found comfort in an unexpected source – her opponent.
Osaka gave her a warm embrace at the net and even went on to welcome her to share her on-court interview.
Gauff later admitted she was reluctant to take part in the interview as she had never cried in public before. However, she was given some excellent advice by Osaka; better to cry in front of people than alone in the shower.
Life Comes a Full Circle for Osaka
Osaka showed the world she has come a long way in the last 12 months. After winning last year’s final against Williams, she broke down thanks to all the controversy preceding her victory, amidst fans booing the chair umpire for the code violations that Serena got.
However, she showed a lot of maturity yesterday. Osaka, recognising that her young teenage opponent would probably have been very deflated following the one-sided nature of the defeat, decided to help her ut.
It is heartening to see such emotion and humanity on the court after a hard fought battle between two players. After all, isn’t this what makes sports just that extra special?
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