Two of the sport’s most high-profile stars meeting again in New York felt like the first real ‘popcorn’ match of the tournament, while 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 the 27-year-old Japanese player earned a one-sided win, but emphasised the strides she has made over recent months.
A more measured approach to her powerful baseline game reaped rewards against 2023 champion Gauff.
Osaka smartly asked questions of 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.