Coco Gauff left in tears after first meeting with Naomi Osaka who has bold prediction for latest chapter in rivalry

Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka are preparing to reignite their rivalry at the China Open, with both players showcasing impressive form as they head into their last 16 matchup.

Their upcoming contest is particularly significant, especially with their head-to-head record sitting evenly at 2-2. As these two rising stars of tennis aim for greatness, their past encounters hint at an exciting future filled with fierce competition.

In their initial face-off back in 2019, the stakes were high. Gauff, at just 15 years old, had already made headlines by defeating Venus Williams in her first Grand Slam match at Wimbledon.

This remarkable feat was followed by two thrilling victories at the US Open, setting the stage for her showdown against Osaka, then the world number one and a two-time major champion.

The atmosphere was electric as a crowd of 24,000 gathered, hoping to witness an upset. However, Osaka quickly established control, winning in a decisive 6-3, 6-0 victory that lasted only 66 minutes.

The defeat was overwhelming for Gauff, who was seen in tears as Osaka offered her comfort, highlighting the deep respect between the competitors despite the fierce nature of their sport.

Reflecting on that moment, Gauff shared, “I was crying. She was crying. Everybody was crying.” Osaka, recognizing Gauff’s potential, remarked on the emotional weight of the encounter.

“I feel of course we’re going to play multiple times in the future,” she said, acknowledging the importance of their budding rivalry for tennis fans.

Osaka’s rise to prominence had been marked by her own emotional challenges, particularly after her US Open victory in the previous year, which was overshadowed by controversy. Nonetheless, she embraced her role as a mentor, encouraging Gauff to enjoy the crowd’s support as they both left the court, signaling the camaraderie that exists off the court.

Despite their competitive nature, Gauff expressed admiration for Osaka, stating, “She just proved to me that she’s a true athlete.” This sentiment reflects a growing understanding between them, where on-court rivalry transforms into a supportive friendship away from the game. Osaka echoed this sentiment, describing Gauff as a “sweetheart,” which further emphasizes their mutual respect.

Fast forward to 2024, and Osaka appears to be back in her prime after a break from the sport to welcome her daughter, Shai. Now ranked within the WTA top 60, she faces a challenging opponent in the 20-year-old Gauff, who has recently parted ways with her legendary coach Brad Gilbert, a year after clinching her first US Open title.

As they prepare for their upcoming match, Osaka acknowledges the intensity of the competition. “She’s very athletic obviously. For me, my strongest traits are being aggressive and also my serve,” she commented. Thi

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