Coco Gauff’s journey at the 2025 US Open ended sooner than expected as the world No. 3 bowed out in the fourth round, falling to former champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets. While her bid for a third major title was halted, the 21-year-old American has already turned her focus toward the future, sharing her plans with fans in the aftermath of the defeat.
US Open Exit: A tough loss
Gauff’s defeat to Osaka at Flushing Meadows marked her first Grand Slam campaign under the guidance of her new coach, Gavin MacMillan, a biomechanics specialist. MacMillan has been instrumental in reshaping Gauff’s service motion, aiming to add power and precision to her game.
Despite showing progress and defending points effectively throughout her matches, Gauff could not find a way past Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion. This loss marked her first defeat to Osaka since the Cincinnati Open in 2021, leveling their head-to-head record at 3-3. At majors, Osaka now leads Gauff 2-1, with Coco Gauff’s sole victory coming at the 2020 Australian Open.
Coco Gauff speaks out
Days after her exit, Gauff took to Instagram to share a message of resilience and gratitude with her supporters:
"Thank you, NYC, we keep building."
Her post reflects both her focus on growth and her unwavering commitment to improvement. Despite the heartbreak, Coco Gauff’s tone signals a determination to refine her game and aim higher in upcoming tournaments.
Learning and building for the future
This US Open campaign provided Gauff with valuable lessons under her new coaching setup. While the service adjustments implemented by MacMillan were still being fine-tuned, the tournament highlighted areas of her game that require further work.
The young American star has shown remarkable consistency on tour, maintaining her position among the top-ranked players while continuously evolving her game. Fans can expect Gauff to carry these experiences forward, aiming to strengthen her major championship credentials and challenge the likes of Osaka and other elite competitors in the coming seasons.
Coco Gauff’s US Open exit is not a setback but rather a stepping stone. With a renewed focus on development and strategic adjustments under her new coaching team, the 21-year-old is poised to return stronger at the upcoming hard-court events and Grand Slams. Her message to fans—"we keep building"—underscores her determination to grow, adapt, and reclaim her place at the pinnacle of women’s tennis.