“I think for me the Asian swing is full of possibilities. I’ve always done really well at the end of the year. I always look forward to it,” said Naomi Osaka in September. She had won her first match under her new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, in Beijing. But things didn’t go the way she expected, as she was forced to withdraw from the R16 match against Coco Gauff due to a back injury. What exactly led to this sudden issue?

Osaka took to social media and wrote, “Hi everyone just wanted to say I’m extremely thankful and happy to have played in Beijing. That being said I feel like I owe a little backstory about today- So I locked my back up during practice earlier and honestly wasn’t sure if I could even play but I just wanted to try, unfortunately things just got progressively worse during the match. Totally worth it though lol.”

Well, Osaka had won the first by 6-3 and then Gauff made a strong comeback by winning the second set by 6-4. So, the match was well poised, and the fans were very excited to catch up on more exciting moments from this match. Seeing Naomi Osaka withdraw from this blockbuster clash was a bit disappointing. After all, it was the first time in eight years that two major champions met in the fourth round in Beijing. But Mouratoglou is very proud of Osaka’s efforts.

He took to his Instagram and wrote, “It’s been our first tournament together with @naomiosaka and it was so rich in terms or learning. From the practice sessions to the warm ups on match days, to all the preparations and the match briefing and debriefings, I got so much to learn about her. I also got to spend time with the amazing team around her @florian.zitz @simone._.elliott @matizukas. “

“I am really proud of all her efforts, her focus and willingness to learn and progress. It’s the best attitude to be in a growth process. Now is time to heal and get ready for new challenges.”

How nice it was to see Mouratoglou show support towards the Japanese. After all, he began coaching her leading up to the Asian Swing, and in the China Open, Osaka tasted a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Lucia Bronzetti. While she ultimately withdrew against Gauff, let us not forget that the Japanese star was the 2019 China Open winner.

Yes, Mouratoglou’s support is crucial, but did you know that there was a time when Naomi Osaka wanted to avoid bringing in Serena Williams’ former coach? She thought Mouratoglou’s persona was so big that it would be difficult for her to adjust. Later on, all her confusion and doubts were cleared when she finally met him on the court. Fans were happy to see their partnership clicking right from the start in Beijing. What’s lining up next for Osaka at the moment, though?

Naomi Osaka has entered the qualifying rounds of the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan. So, that’s going to be her next challenge. However, it remains to be seen if she is fit enough to participate in that event. But there is something else too that took place in her match against Gauff. What was it? 

Coco Gauff shows her respect for Naomi Osaka with a beautiful act of sportsmanship!

Instead of celebrating, Coco Gauff was seen showing her empathy after the match towards Naomi Osaka by offering her opponent a hug. She even volunteered to carry her bag while helping her walk off the court. The American asked Osaka if she was okay or if she needed any help.

In reply to this heartwarming gesture, Osaka said, “Really?” in a very surprised voice. Fans inside the stadium cheered in the background as these two tennis stars walked off the court. What a beautiful moment it was for the sport!

During the post-match interview, Coco Gauff wished a quick recovery for Naomi Osaka. She said, “I wish Naomi a speedy recovery. Nobody wants to win a match like this, especially at one set all.” The 20-year-old American further stated, “I just told her (Osaka) she should be proud of herself. It’s not easy. I think this is her first time winning three matches in a tournament [for a while]. So physically, you can do all the running you want, but match-fit is different. Hopefully, she’ll be fine. I think she’s signed up for Wuhan.“

Gauff even shared an emotional message on her IG story after the match, showcasing her concern for the Japanese.

Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka have faced each other five times now. With the recent result in Beijing, Gauff has taken a lead against the former world number one by a 3-2 margin. Do you want to see these two taking on each other yet again this year?