Naomi Osaka Comforts 15 Year Old Coco Gaulf After Defeating Her

TMZ had earlier caught up with Naomi Osaka’s boyfriend YBN Cordae where he revealed how he helps her prepare for US Open in a stop by interview.

Naomi Osaka’s win over 15-year-old Coco Gauff during the U.S. Open on Saturday has taken over the Internet, not only because of Gauff’s surprise loss, but because of Osaka’s words of encouragement to her after the match. 

After the match 21-year-old Osaka showed the spirit of sportsmanship by walking over to a crying Gauff and urged her to stay on the court for interviews.

21-year-old tennis phenom, Naomi Osaka, is being hailed as a “class act” for consoling Coco Gauff, after beating her in the third round of the US Open. 

After Osaka won the match – 6-3, 6-0 – she noticed Gauff crying as she packed up her bag and decided to approach her. 

After exchanging some words, Gauff accompanied Osaka for her post-match interview, where the waterworks continued.

Coco Gaulf expressed her profound gratitude for Osaka’s support, and then Osaka began to cry as she shouted out Gauff’s parents in the stands, who Osaka remembered seeing while training years before. 

“You guys raised an amazing player,” she said. “I used to see you guys training in the same place as us. The both of us made it and are working as hard as we can. I think this is the most focused I have been since Australia.”

Osaka later explained that she wished to comfort Gauff because she knows how often players lose a match and return to their locker rooms to cry alone. 

“I was just thinking, like, it would be nice for her to address the people that came and watched her play. They were cheering for her,” Osaka said. The crowd broke out in applause and cheering when the two players embraced.

This heartwarming moment is receiving tons of attention and commendation. This type of sportsmanship isn’t incredibly common in the world of professional sports, as it is primarily marked by overly competitive spirits. 

Gauff later told reporters how Osaka comforted her after the match.

“I was wanting to leave the court because I’m not the type of person who wants to cry in front of everyone. I didn’t want to take that moment away from her, as well,” she said. “She told me it’s better than crying in the shower. She convinced me multiple times to stay. I kept saying no. Finally I said, OK, I’ll do it. Because I didn’t know what to do. I’m happy that she kind of convinced me to do it because, I mean, I’m not used to crying in front of everyone.”

Naomi gives Coco words of encouragement.

Two sports legends in the making. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/w0GzPwAbw7

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) September 1, 2019

Gauff praised Osaka for being embodying the perfect balance between competitive and amicable that makes the game enjoyable:

“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 your worst enemy but off the court can be your best friend. I think that’s what she did tonight.”

Celebrities including Jennifer Garner have posted about the match and its aftermath. She shared a  clip from the match on instagram with a heartwarming caption. 

“The most amazing example of sportsmanship!! 😭♥️ I know nothing about tennis, but I will learn the rules to be your biggest fan, @naomiosaka and @cocogauff. Your parents must be so proud. 🤗 Thank you both for being awesome.”

View this post on Instagram

The most amazing example of sportsmanship!! 😭♥️ I know nothing about tennis, but I will learn the rules to be your biggest fan, @naomiosaka and @cocogauff. Your parents must be so proud. 🤗 Thank you both for being awesome. xxx ( 📹: @usopen )

A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner) on Aug 31, 2019 at 7:49pm PDT

What a great show of sportsmanship it was… More accolades for Naomi Osaka 👏!