Coco Gauff advanced to the quarter-finals of the China Open after Naomi Osaka retired from their fourth-round match due to a back injury.
The match was tied at one set each before Osaka had to withdraw. Gauff helped carry Osaka’s bags off the court after 87 minutes of intense play.
“It was a good match until this point. I hope Naomi recovers soon. Nobody wants to win like this, especially with one set all,” Gauff said after the match.
Osaka led the first set 6-3, but Gauff fought back to win the second set 6-4. Osaka had back pain during the match and was unable to continue. Gauff will now face Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva in the quarter-finals.
Taking to social media, Osaka revealed that she ‘locked’ her back during a practice session earlier today (Tuesday).
“Hi everyone, I just wanted to say I’m extremely thankful and happy to have played in Beijing. That being said I feel like I owe little backstory about today,” Osaka posted on her Threads account before sharing to her Instagram story.
Meanwhile, Paula Badosa dominated U.S. Open runner-up Jessica Pegula with a 6-4, 6-0 win to reach the last eight. Badosa praised Pegula, calling her a tough opponent, but expressed happiness with her performance.
Chinese player Shuai Zhang also progressed to the quarter-finals, beating Magdalena Frech 6-4, 6-2. Zhang’s victory marked a strong comeback after a 24-match losing streak. She now faces Badosa in the next round.
