Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka face off this afternoon in what promises to be an epic fourth-round match at the 2025 U.S. Open.

The two women have come a long way since their first meeting at Arthur Ashe Stadium six years ago. Osaka, then 21 and the defending champion, defeated the 15-year-old Gauff in the third round in straight sets.

The defeat was heartbreaking for Gauff, who walked to the sidelines in tears. But instead of basking in victory, Osaka made her way over to her teenage opponent, consoled her, and then asked her to join her for the post-match interview.

Osaka used that moment in front of the cameras to celebrate Gauff and her parents. It was a selfless display of sisterhood on one of the sport’s greatest stages — and one that will forever define their relationship.

Now they meet again today on Ashe, at different stages of their careers and their lives.

Gauff is no longer a girl. She’s a woman — a two-time Grand Slam winner, including here in Flushing — and one of the best in the game.

Osaka has four Grand Slam titles to her name, but her career has since seen regression, marked by struggles with her mental health, followed by a recent resurgence.

And Gauff, even while occupying the sport’s heights, has shown her own vulnerabilities, battling tears as she works through struggles with her serve.

Expect a fierce battle, followed by some tears.

Gauff–Osaka Head-to-Head

They’ve met five times previously, with Gauff holding a narrow edge in the head-to-head at 3–2. Their last encounter was a dramatic match at the China Open in 2024, where Osaka retired with both tied at one set apiece.

Prediction

Gauff in three tight sets. Gauff’s improved form gives her the edge. She defeated Magda Frech in the third round in straight sets, with just four double faults. Still, expect a gripping three-set match, with Gauff prevailing — as long as her serve is in order.

How to Watch Coco Gauff vs. Naomi Osaka

This afternoon’s match between Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka is now expected to start at around 2:20 PM Eastern at Arthur Ashe Stadium, after the match between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Andrey Rublev concludes.

The match will air live on ESPN and stream live on the ESPN app and website. If you don’t currently have access to ESPN, you can watch the match for free by taking advantage of free trials from DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, or YouTube TV.

YouTube TV even offers a 20-minute free preview, without having to register for a trial — if you just want to catch part of the match.

Gauff vs. Osaka

Date: Monday, September 1, 2025

Expected Start Time: 2:20 PM Eastern (after Auger-Aliassime vs. Rublev)

Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing, NY

Court: Arthur Ashe Stadium

TV: ESPN

Streaming: ESPN app and ESPN+ (dedicated match stream)