Two-time champion Naomi Osaka is through to the quarter-finals of the US Open after a straight-sets win over Coco Gauff at Flushing Meadows.

Speaking on court at the end of the match, Osaka was asked how it felt to be back in the arena where she lifted the title in 2018 and 2020.

Osaka said: “I’m a little sensitive and I don’t want to cry but honestly I had so much fun out here.

“I was in the stands two months after I gave birth to my daughter, watching Coco, and I really wanted an opportunity to come out here and play.

“This is my favourite court in the world and it means so much to me to be back here.

“I just want to say a really big thank you to my team. We’ve been through a lot and it hasn’t always been easy but they’ve been by my side.”

The pair first played each other in 2019 when Gauff was just 15 years old.

Since then, Gauff – who Osaka calls her “little sister” – has gone on to become a two-time major champion – including at the US Open in 2023.

Speaking about being back on court against Gauff, Osaka said: “It’s definitely really special. 

“Honestly, I look up to her a lot. I think the way she conducts herself, I think it’s really special. 

“To be such an amazing role model at such a young age is a gift and it’s a talent that she has and I have all the respect in the world for her.”

Watch and stream top tennis action live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+