15-year-old American Gauff's US Open run ends against Osaka
NEW YORK — First, the tears came from Coco Gauff, as the 15-year-old American's US Open came to an end against defending champion and No. 1 seed Naomi Osaka.
Then it was Osaka's turn to cry, moments after comforting Gauff with a hug and some words of encouragement Saturday night.
Gauff has generated all sorts of attention already by making it to the second week at Wimbledon in July and becoming the youngest woman to win two matches at Flushing Meadows since 1996. In this much-hyped showdown under the lights in Arthur Ashe Stadium that ended 6-3, 6-0 in Osaka's favor, Gauff often looked exactly like what she is: an immensely talented player who is still learning her way at tennis' top level.
She pounded serves at up to 119 mph but also double-faulted seven times.
She overcame a slow start to get within 4-3 in the opening set but also then dropped the last eight games in a row.
"She told me I did amazing," Gauff said during an unusual on-court interview for a match's loser, something that was Osaka's idea, knowing the way the packed house was supporting her opponent.
