Two of the sport’s most high-profile stars meeting again in New York felt like the first real ‘popcorn’ match of the tournament, providing an opportunity for Osaka to show she had regained the level which made her one of the most talented players of her generation.

Ultimately, it ended up lacking entertainment as she earned a one-sided win, but emphasised how she had improved over recent months.

A more measured approach to her powerful baseline game reaped rewards against 2023 champion Gauff.

Osaka smartly drew mistakes from the clearly-uncertain American, whose forehand breaking down in the rallies was the telling factor in a match lasting little over an hour.

Days before her home Grand Slam, Gauff made a bold move to reshuffle her team in a bid to stem the flow of double faults.

Grip specialist Matt Daly paid the price as in came biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, who helped rival Aryna Sabalenka overcome her serving yips.

The drastic measure brought increased scrutiny at what is already a high-pressure tournament – and the added toll clearly affected Gauff.

Looking flustered and frustrated throughout the tournament, her unease was evident from the start against Osaka.

This manifested through her forehand – another area where she has struggled to find consistency over the years.

Eleven unforced errors from this side took the first set away from her. Framing a return from that wing also proved pivotal in the second set.

The mis-hit 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 started at defeat, but she was unable to recover and lost the next two games.