After defeating Gauff in straight sets in a thrilling match, Osaka met her at the net, told her she was amazing and hugged her. Then came the real touching stuff...
As Gauff wiped tears from her eyes, Osaka asked her to join her in the post-match interview, which is normally only fronted by the winning player. At first the 15-year-old player turned down the offer, “No, I’m gonna cry.” But Osaka wasn’t having any of it.
“Look you’re amazing, seriously. These people are here for you,” Osaka insisted. “I think it’s better than going into the shower and crying. We have to let these people know how you feel.”
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During the interview, Osaka paid tribute to Gauff’s parents in the stands, saying, “You raised an amazing player. I remember I used to see you guys training in the same place as us, and for me, like the fact that both of us made it, and we’re both still working as hard as we can, I think it’s incredible, and I think you guys are amazing. Coco, you’re amazing.”
I’ve watched the clip 23 times now, and it still gives me goosebumps. Talk about hitting us right in the feels.
Twitter has reacted accordingly, with a swell of love for both Osaka and Gauff, who are being dubbed “the future of women’s tennis.”
The moment was reminiscent of last year’s U.S. Open final, where Serena Williams comforted Osaka after the newcomer beat her idol in front of an upset crowd.
Meanwhile, Aussie Nick Kyrgios stopped midway through his second set to complain, “I don’t want to be here though. I just want to go home," before being defeated by unseeded Russian Andrey Rublev in the third set.
We reckon the lads could learn something about sportsmanship from the sisterhood. Go gals.
This article originally appeared on marie claire.
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