Top Moments of 2019, No. 1: Osaka & Gauff share post-match interview
The 15-year-old was full of emotion after losing, when the defending US Open champion approached the American with an offering of compassion and comfort.
In a decade to remember, 2019 didn't disappoint as the closing act. Click here to review the Top 10 moments from the final season of the 2010s.
A big run wasn't yet done.
Coco Gauff catapulted into stardom when, as a 15-year-old qualifier, she defeated Venus Williams in the first round of Wimbledon. The uncanny resemblance between the two, the 24-year age gap and Gauff idolizing Williams growing up all made for a compelling meeting.
"I just told her I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her," Gauff recalled about her conversation with Williams at net.
The teenager increasingly sensationally defeated another two opponents before falling in the fourth round against eventual titlist Simona Halep. She then reached the third round at the US Open, setting up another anticipated encounter with No. 1 Naomi Osaka.
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But straightforward thumping ensued and Gauff was visibly emotional, seeming to just want to get off the court when Osaka approached and asked her to join her for the post-match interview.
"When I shook her hand, I saw that she was kind of tearing up a little," said Osaka. "I was just thinking, like, it would be nice for her to address the people that came and watched her play. They were cheering for her."
The two spoke warmly of each other, having grown up side by side and admiring the Williams sisters. Now, they were providing inspiration of their own.