Naomi Osaka Comforts Teary Tennis Sensation Coco Gauff after Defeating Her at US Open

Naomi Osaka and her opponent who lost against her at the US Open, Coco Gauff, impressed the public with their amazing display of maturity following their match. Osaka comforted a teary Gauff who likewise praised the defending champion.

For the second time in the US Open, Naomi Osaka called attention to her impressive attitude after beating her opponent.

COMPASSION TRUMPS VICTORY

Last weekend, Osaka won over tournament hopeful Coco Gauff with an astounding 6-3, 6-0 score, but it was her reaction to the 15-year-old’s post-game emotions that tugged at the public’s heartstrings the most.

“For me, the definition of an athlete is someone who on the court treats you like your worst enemy but off the court can be your best friend...I think that’s what she did tonight.”

Gauff was in tears following her loss but Osaka made sure to console her and offer support. Giving her opponent a hug, the 21-year-old defending champion urged Gauff to join her during the post-match interview and address the audience telling her, “You need to let those people know how you feel.”

Osaka also assured Gauff, by telling her "you're good," and "you're amazing" despite the latter's hesitation to face the cameras in tears.

Gauff eventually did the interview along with Osaka who was likewise in tears.

“For me, the definition of an athlete is someone who on the court treats you like your worst enemy but off the court can be your best friend,” Gauff said later of Osaka at a news conference. “I think that’s what she did tonight.”

Meanwhile, Osaka lauded Gauff’s parents for raising such an amazing daughter.

“You guys raised an amazing player,” she said while fighting off her tears. “I remember I used to see you guys train in the same place as us, and for me the fact that both of us made it, and we’re both still working as hard as we can, I think it’s incredible. I think you guys are amazing, and I think, Coco, you are amazing.”

“In a way, tennis won on the night, not just Osaka,” Federer said. “It was a nice moment. It showed personalities from both players.

Both Gauff and Osaka are based in Florida and have known each other for years because their fathers are friends. In fact, in spite of her defeat, Gauff admitted she couldn’t help but feel emotional and happy for her friend.

“She was crying; she won. I was crying. Everybody was crying. I was like, ‘You won the match!’”

TENNIS GREATS APPLAUD

Tennis superstars Roger Federer and Serena Williams likewise expressed their admiration for the two young athletes who displayed maturity off-court.

“In a way, tennis won on the night, not just Osaka,” Federer said. “It was a nice moment. It showed personalities from both players. The way she handled herself at 15, it's incredible,” he added of Gauff. “I can't even think being so well-behaved at 15.”

Meanwhile, Williams, who famously lost against Osaka in last year’s US Open was equally happy to see the two women showing love for each other.

“I thought it was so sweet and so amazing. It's so important I think to have bonds. It's like a real extended family. I was so excited to see that.”

She likewise recalled having the same kind of moment with Osaka last year in the same tournament.

“Last year obviously I was comforting Osaka, she was comforting me,” she said.

OSAKA'S HUMILITY AT LAST YEAR'S US OPEN

That moment proved to be a defining one for Osaka. Instead of relishing her victory, she was more concerned for Serena. She cried because she was responsible for her idol’s upsetting loss. She even apologized for it.

Osaka, now the first No. 1 Asian player in tennis history, may be on her way to bagging her second US Open Championship in two years if she plays her game right in her upcoming matches. But one things’ certain, she’s already a two-time champion in our hearts.