Osaka: "This is unknown territory at this point in my career"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 2 Sep 2025 | 01.48

Osaka: "This is unfamiliar territory at this point in my career." Photo: Getty

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Even though few considered her a favorite, Naomi Osaka displayed her best tennis to surprise and eliminate Coco Gauff from this US Open 2025. The Japanese player had already been showing her great form in the last Grand Slam of the season, where she now advances to the quarterfinals.

The Japanese player, ranked 24th in the world before the tournament began, secures her place outside New York within the Top 20, being able to dream big if she wins her next match in Flushing Meadows against Karolina Muchova. But before thinking about her upcoming match, Osaka analyzed her great victory over Gauff in her press conference.

"The main thing I want to take from this tournament is simply that I want to have fun. I know in my first round I was too nervous to smile, and my match against Kasatkina was not joyful. Coming into this match, I just wanted to be grateful. She is one of the best players in the world. For me, honestly, I have more fun when I play against the best players. I love it when they hit amazing shots or aces, because that's how they win the tournaments they win."

A new horizon

"This is uncharted territory at this point in my career. I'm just enjoying it, having a good time. I can play against the best players in the world. If you ask me what is the most exciting thing nowadays, it's that I no longer need an invitation to compete in tournaments. I will be a seeded player in tournaments like Indian Wells or Miami, so that makes me happy.

Osaka's motivation

"It gives me a great motivation. As a child, I watched TV hoping to play this tournament. I would come here and long to play on one of those cool outdoor courts. Being in the main stadium, no matter where I am in my career, is always an honor. Playing a match that seems to have been talked about a lot beforehand is also a lot of fun. I think these are the moments I play tennis for."

Reward for her hard work

"I was very frustrated for a long time because I felt like I was playing well, but there was something missing, or it was simply a matter of mentality. Then, I played against Samsonova and didn't give up until the last point, and I ended up winning. I think from that moment on I just tried to be the best fighter possible.

To hang up the racket forever would be very terrifying. I've been playing this sport since I was 3 years old, it's like breathing. I wouldn't know what to do. I am very grateful to be here now, and the idea of stopping playing soon is something that has never crossed my mind."