Beijing
Osaka advances to face Gauff in China
Naomi Osaka would not be sidelined by rain which delayed her match by a day, with the former No. 1 earning a 6-3, 6-2 decision over Katy Volynets on Monday to set up a showdown with Coco Gauff at the China Open.
Japan’s Osaka reached the fourth round of the 1000-level event in the capital after her third round match was delayed by a day due to weather at the hardcourt tornament.
The flour-time Grand Slam champion advanced in 77 minutes into her fourth-round with Gauff, the fourth seed. She and the American stand level 2-2 in their career series.
“It’s going to be a really cool test for me,” Osaka said of the all-star match-up.
“She’s played really well this year. … I’m excited to play the match, and I know people are excited to watch the match.”
No. 73 Osaka is back in Beijing for the first time since winning the title five years ago before Covid disrupted tennis and she became a mother. She seeks her first trophy since the 2021 Australian Open.