Coco Gauff Advances After Naomi Osaka Retires at China Open

Coco Gauff secured her place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 China Open after Naomi Osaka retired due to injury during their match on October 1, in Beijing. The match was tied at one set each when Osaka, visibly struggling with a back injury, was compelled to withdraw with the scoreline reading 3-6, 6-4.

The encounter on the renowned Diamond Court was the first between Gauff and Osaka in two years. The two had previously garnered two wins each in their head-to-head contests. Osaka, a former world number one and four-time Grand Slam champion, initially displayed her prowess by taking the first set 6-3. She showcased aggressive play, breaking Gauff three times to establish an early lead.

The match marked Osaka’s first tournament since partnering with renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou, as she resumed her professional career post-maternity leave. Despite showing initial promise, Osaka faced physical challenges, needing a medical timeout during the first set. Osaka later revealed, “I locked my back up during practice earlier and honestly wasn’t sure if I could even play, but I just wanted to try.”

As the second set unfolded, Gauff found her rhythm, capitalizing on Osaka’s faltering movement to seize the set 6-4. “I wish Naomi a speedy recovery. Nobody wants to win a match like this,” Gauff was quoted as saying, emphasizing the competitiveness and respect shared between the players.

For Gauff, the victory comes as part of her campaign in China, where she previously defeated Clara Burel and Katie Boulter. The young American, who has been grappling with challenges in her serve earlier in the season, will now face Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva in the quarter-finals. Starodubtseva, making her mark in the tournament, ousted No. 10 seed Anna Kalinskaya in a commanding display.