World reacts to Osaka's shared interview with Gauff

Two days before one of the most star-studded matches of the US Open so far, Coco Gauff had some highly complimentary words for Naomi Osaka: "I think she shows us how to compete, and the way to, like, be off the court, too."

That's a lot to live up to, but Osaka did so on Saturday, when, after her 6-3, 6-0 defeat of her younger peer, she invited Gauff to share the spotlight in the on-court interview.

And when it was Osaka's turn to talk, the world No. 1 turned to the 15-year-old's parents and said, "You guys raised an amazing player ... The fact that both of us made it, and we're both still working as hard as we can, I think it's incredible. I think you guys are amazing—I think, Coco, you're amazing."

Players typically aren't thrilled to talk to the crowd, especially when they lose, but Gauff later showed she appreciated the gesture, again giving Osaka major praise.

"I think she just proved that she's a true athlete," Gauff said. "For me the definition of an athlete is someone who on the court treats you like your worst enemy but off the court can be your best friend. I think that's what she did tonight."

And she wasn't the only one to be moved. So was much of the WTA locker room, including 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens ...

Taylor Townsend ...

Nicole Gibbs ...

And Katie Boulter:

Even some legends reached out, such as Martina Navratilova ...

Tracy Austin ...

And Billie Jean King:

Like lots of accomplishments involving Osaka and Gauff, this got attention beyond tennis, including from two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion Kelley O'Hara ...

And New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez:

Of course, the players chimed in with their own reactions, too, with Osaka calling Gauff a "warrior" ...

And Gauff saying Osaka is a "#rolemodel."

Osaka will take on No. 13 seed Belinda Bencic on Monday, while Gauff is still in the doubles draw with Caty McNally.

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