Teenage sensation Coco Gauff has said she is intrigued by her upcoming clash with world No.1 Naomi Osaka at the US Open.
The 15-year-old wildcard sealed a placed in the third round of the draw after defeating Hungary’s Timea Babos 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. Winning 83% of her first service points and producing 32 winners during a match that lasted almost two-and-a-half hours. Gauff is the youngest player to reach the last 32 of the US Open since Anna Kournikova back in 1996.
“I thought that the first set, I definitely was in control. In the second set, she raised her level and I wasn’t able to finish the set.” Said Gauff.
“But she played amazing. I thought I played well, too. It was a great match.”
“I did feel less nervous. I mean, when you first walk out on Armstrong in general, it’s a nervous feeling. So I’m glad that I was able to get through that first round. So today I was prepared and knew what to expect. I think that helped me in today’s match.” She added.
Guaff’s reward for her latest victory is a meeting with defending champion Osaka. The top seed experienced a more straightforward encounter in her second round match. Disposing of Poland’s Magda Linette 6-2, 6-4.
It will be the first time the two players have played each other on the tour. However, they have spoken to each other before off the court. Osaka was a year older than Gauff when she won her first WTA main draw match at the 2014 Stanford International.
“Obviously she’s an amazing player. She’s defending champion. She’s won two slams. She’s No. 1. She’s only 21. We’re both pretty young.” Gauff said of the world No.1.
“But I’m a little bit newer to the game. So I’m just curious to see how my game matches up against her. Obviously I want to win.”
In the past Gauff has served as a hitting partner to the Japanese player. Something she remembers fondly. Praising both Osaka and her family.
“I practiced with her, I think I was 13, at Miami Open. That was super cool. I was able to keep the ball on the court. I was super nervous. She’s prepping for a tournament so I didn’t want to mess up her practice.” The world No.140 recounted.
“She’s a super sweet person. My dad and her dad have known each other for a long time. They always talk all the time. We’ve known each other for quite a few times now. She’s a great person. She’s nice. Her mom is one of the nicest people ever. She’s so amazing. Her whole family is just great.”
As for Osaka, she sees similarities between her and the teenager off the court. Although she jokes that Gauff ‘knows what she’s doing.’ Whilst there is undoubtedly a mutual respect between the two players, the top seed is ready to see what all the fuss is about concerning the rising star.
“When I hear people talking about someone, I want to have the opportunity to play them just to assess it for myself.” She explained.
The third round clash will take place on Saturday.
