Coco Gauff Recalls ‘Panic Attack’ During Last US Open Clash Against Naomi Osaka

Coco Gauff will surely remember her match against Donna Vekic at the 2025 US Open as a seminal career moment. Despite winning the match 7-6 (5), 6-2, the American struggled with her serve and almost lost control over her nerves in the first set. “I mean, it was, I think a panic attack,” Gauff later told SkySports on what went through her head during the match against the Croatian star. Pretty commendable, how she overcame her distraught feelings. But now, an even more difficult challenge awaits!

In the Round of 16 at Flushing Meadows, Gauff will cross paths with Naomi Osaka. Without a doubt, this will be the toughest opponent for the 2023 US Open winner at this year’s competition, and the 21-year-old can’t shake off the jittery feelings, especially considering the experience she’s had with the Japanese star previously. As per an article by Ben Rothenberg from August 31, Gauff distinctly remembers how Osaka’s comforting words from six years ago didn’t serve their purpose.

This will be the first time Gauff and Osaka meet in the year’s last Grand Slam, and the former still remembers how the more experienced colleague tried to help Gauff overcome the 6-3, 6-0 defeat. “Looking back, I was definitely, like, having a panic attack on the court,” Gauff confided her mixed feelings on the moment to Rothenberg.

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