World No. 1 and defending champion Naomi Osaka came out on top in a much-hyped third-round clash with15-year-old American sensation Coco Gauff on Saturday night, and a full house in Arthur Ashe Stadium–that's 23,711 seats–watched a high-quality match that outshined the 6-3, 6-0 scoreline.
As the applause still reverberated through Ashe after the match, the pair exchanged words at the net, which turned into a joint on-court interview—at Osaka's insistence—with commentator Mary Joe Fernandez.
"She told me that I did amazing [and] asked if I could do the on-court interview with her," said Gauff. "I said no because I knew I was going to cry the whole time, but she encouraged me to do it."
Gauff went on to praise Osaka, and Osaka did the same when it came her turn to speak.
Later on Saturday, Gauff revealed more about the cathartic tears she shed on court, chalking it up to the loss and to the enormity of playing in Ashe for the first time.
"[The reason for the tears] was a mix of both," said Gauff. "Obviously I was disappointed that I lost. There was a lot going on. I was really trying to get off the court. Really, I don't like crying in front of people.
"But I'm glad that I was able to express that moment. I guess it shows that I'm human. I guess athletes in general just experience things, and we show emotion, good and bad. I think a lot of people see the more pumping up side of me, the more fiery side. I guess that side is good for other people to see."
The junior world No. 1 one year ago, Gauff has a long senior career ahead, and this match and these moments will serve her will in the future.
"I'm glad I was able to experience that on the biggest stage. Maybe next time I'll have a different result," she said. "I really thank Naomi for that because it was a good moment for me."
For Osaka, improvising a dais for Gauff was a way to give the newcomer a chance to "have her head high, not walk off the court sad."
"I was just thinking, like, it would be nice for her to address the people that came and watched her play," Osaka added. "They were cheering for her."
And they will be for many years to come.
