This manifested through her forehand – another area where she has struggled to find consistency over the years – while her serve held up well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Both women have also endeared themselves to fans by eloquently using their voices to shine light on social issues including racism.
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.
“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.
“I think there’s a lot of positives to take from this tournament and I’m trying to be positive.
“I promise you that, I don’t feel that way right now, but I am not going to let this crush me.”
