Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff’s Post-Match Moment Shows Sportsmanship Is Well and Alive
On Saturday night, Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who is the world No. 1, defeated America’s 15-year-old wunderkind Coco Gauff at the third round of the U.S. Open. The final score was 6-3 6-0, and the match lasted just over an hour. But it was a sweet post-match moment that had tennis fans buzzing.
After the match, Gauff shook hands with Osaka and then headed to the side of the court, visibly wiping tears from her eyes. Osaka then approached Gauff and invited her to join the post-match interviews. “These people are here for you,” Osaka said. “Look, you’re amazing. Seriously.”
Gauff demurred initially: “No, it’s fine. I’m going to, like, cry in front of all these people,” she said. Osaka then replied, “No, I think it’s better than going into the shower and crying. We have to let these people know how you feel.” The heart-warming display of sportsmanship and humility won over hearts at Arthur Ashe and online. Even Gauff was touched by the moment: “After the match, I think she just proved that she’s a true athlete,” Gauff said. “For me, the definition of an athlete is someone who on the court treats you like they’re your worst enemy, but off the court can be your best friend. I think that’s what she did tonight.”
Originally Appeared on Vogue
