Tennis is an exhausting game and it is not surprising when tiredness and aggression get the better of players.
However, there are moments when your faith in the beauty of this game is restored. Naomi Osaka’s sweet gesture towards Coco Gauff after beating her in a US Open match was one of them.
THIS EXCHANGE IS EVERYTHING. Getting Coco Gauff to do the on court interview shows the class and grace of Naomi Osaka. #USOpen #USOpenTennis 🎾 pic.twitter.com/mCHiMb4V9T
— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) September 1, 2019
Having beaten her 15-year-old opponent 6-3,6-0, 2-time Grand Slam winner Osaka invited her for a joint after-match interview. To this, Gauff said no, adding that ‘she’d be crying all the time’.
Not the one to give in, Osaka told her it’s still better than going and crying inside. She finally convinced Gauff for giving the interview, something that understandably touched the youngest woman to win 2 matches at the US Open since 1996.
Since I’m on the feels beat tonight — this was wonderful between Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka pic.twitter.com/8ly8AhTJ7h
— Mark Armstrong (@ArmstrongABC11) September 1, 2019
Speaking about this, Gauff noted:
She told me I did amazing. I’m going to learn from this whole match, she’s been so sweet to me. I don’t want people to think I am taking this moment away from her.
Tonight’s moment between Osaka & Gauff is so iconic & we’re gonna remember it for a long time. Osaka gave us a glimpse of what it means to her to witness Gauff’s journey, how she relates it to her own, how they are both impacting so many people. It’s all connected & lovely to see
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) September 1, 2019
Twitter was all praise for Osaka, who showed such humility after her win and even apologised to Gauff by saying, “I’m so sorry for playing you (with) this type of mentality”. This was in context with her current rocky form and aggression to turn things for the better.
Naomi Osaka asked Coco Gauff to do the encore interview with her after she won. And now she is congratulating Coco’s parents on raising such an amazing daughter. How mature for such a young player. Wow, new favorite tennis player right there ❤️
— Shaun Fisher (@fishafevah0211) September 1, 2019
A year ago Naomi Osaka accepted the comfort of Serena Williams on Ashe, today she extended that same genuine warmth to Coco Gauff. Tennis is in good hands.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) September 1, 2019
Naomi Osaka explains why she asked Coco Gauff to be part of the on-court interview after tonight’s match.
— Chad (@CCSMOOTH13) September 1, 2019
🎥: ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/Kj99AtOp8O
LOVE THIS:
— Alex Holley (@AlexHolleyFOX29) September 1, 2019
Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff showing us that women can support women, win OR lose.#USOpen
Mad props to both Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka.
— John Lurie (@lurie_john) September 1, 2019
For how they behaved after the match.
Let's all be like them.
Amazing moment of grace, respect, humility, and dignity between both Osaka and Gauff there after the match.
— Touré (@Toure) September 1, 2019
After a great win for Naomi Osaka, Naomi asked a very emotional Coco to join her for the post name interview. Beautiful moment, outstanding sportsmanship. This is the future of tennis. pic.twitter.com/GZgcXXN3WV
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) September 1, 2019
Congratulations to @Naomi_Osaka_, who showed greatness on and off the court. @CocoGauff now knows what she needs to do to get to No. 1. How fortunate we all are to have witnessed the dawning of a new era in women’s tennis. #USOpen
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 1, 2019
That whole Coco-Osaka interview was just pic.twitter.com/VVBqicdwuJ
— Devereaux Peters (@MsPeters14) September 1, 2019
Naomi Osaka gracious in victory.
— Julie Cohen (@FilmmakerJulie) September 1, 2019
Coco Gauff gracious in defeat.
Great moment at #USOpen.#Imnotcryingyourecrying. pic.twitter.com/rtcraFFZoa
Coco Gauff leaves #USOpenTennis crowd in tears after Naomi Osaka’s gracious gesture to share post-game interview stage following 6-3, 6-0 win pic.twitter.com/KYEpk9gaTA
— Bill Hutchinson (@bill_hutchinson) September 1, 2019