\n<\/p>\n
This manifested through her forehand – another area where she has struggled to find consistency over the years – while her serve held up well.<\/p>\n
Eleven unforced errors from the forehand took the first set away from her. Framing a return from that wing also proved pivotal in the second set.<\/p>\n
The mishit brought up two more break opportunities for Osaka at 3-2, with Gauff’s more-reliable backhand letting her down on the first point indicated the pressure she was feeling.<\/p>\n
For much of the match, it felt like a virtually-capacity 25,000 crowd were slightly conflicted in their support of two hugely popular players.<\/p>\n
Gauff led the home challenge in terms of seeding and superstar status, but Osaka – despite representing Japan – grew up in the Queens borough of New York City where the tournament is held.<\/p>\n
Both women have also endeared themselves to fans by eloquently using their voices to shine light on social issues including racism.<\/p>\n
Sensing the younger player needed them more, the crowd tried to rally Gauff as she stared at defeat, but she was unable to recover and exited at the fourth-round stage for the second straight year.<\/p>\n
“I felt so discombobulated on the court, because I was serving well but not returning well. The last two years, everybody can agree that’s like a weird thought,” said Gauff.<\/p>\n
“I think there’s a lot of positives to take from this tournament and I’m trying to be positive.<\/p>\n
“I promise you that, I don’t feel that way right now, but I am not going to let this crush me.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n