“No one wants to win like this” – Coco Gauff Rues Unexpected Naomi Osaka Retirement in China Open Clash

In a highly anticipated match at the China Open, a stunning turn of events unfolded as Naomi Osaka, former World No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion, was forced to retire from her clash against the rising star, Coco Gauff. The match, which had been billed as one of the marquee showdowns of the tournament, ended abruptly when Osaka, appearing to struggle with a recurring injury, made the difficult decision to withdraw in the second set.

 

The Encounter: A Battle of Titans

 

From the outset, fans in Beijing were treated to high-octane tennis between two of the sport’s most exciting players. Gauff, fresh off her recent US Open victory and skyrocketing to World No. 3, came into the match brimming with confidence. On the other hand, Osaka, still on the comeback trail after taking a break from tennis for personal reasons and motherhood, was eager to prove her mettle on the court once again.

 

The first set saw both players trading powerful groundstrokes, with Gauff showcasing her improved serve and court coverage. Osaka, despite flashes of brilliance, appeared to be playing through discomfort. Her movement, typically a hallmark of her game, was notably hindered. Gauff capitalized on Osaka’s struggles and won the first set 6-3.

 

The Injury: A Sudden Halt

 

The second set began with Osaka looking increasingly in distress. During a service game early in the set, she appeared to grimace, favoring her left leg. After consulting with the trainer during a medical timeout, it became clear that the injury was not something she could simply play through. After attempting a few more points, Osaka signaled to the umpire and walked over to Gauff, shaking her hand and conceding the match.

 

A somber atmosphere settled over the stadium as fans, who had eagerly anticipated a classic match, realized that it would not reach a natural conclusion.

 

Gauff’s Reaction: “No One Wants to Win Like This”

 

Speaking to the press after the match, Coco Gauff expressed mixed emotions about her victory, clearly concerned for her opponent.

 

“I love Naomi. She’s someone I’ve looked up to for so long. It’s never easy to see a fellow player, especially someone you admire, go down like that. No one wants to win like this,” Gauff said, visibly emotional. “You train hard to compete, and you want to win because of what you do on the court, not because of an injury. I really hope she’s okay.”

 

The young American star emphasized her respect for Osaka, highlighting her resilience and mental strength. “She’s such a fighter, and I know she’ll come back even stronger. It’s just unfortunate that it had to happen in a match like this,” Gauff added.

 

Naomi Osaka’s Comeback Journey

 

For Osaka, this match marked another difficult chapter in what has been a tumultuous few years. After taking an extended hiatus to focus on her mental health and later, to give birth to her first child, Osaka’s return to tennis has been eagerly watched by fans and analysts alike. She has spoken candidly about the challenges of balancing motherhood with the physical and mental demands of the professional tennis tour.

 

Osaka had shown flashes of her old form earlier in the tournament, with a dominant first-round win, but the injury that surfaced during her match against Gauff raised concerns about her ability to compete at the highest level. Despite this setback, Osaka remains a fan favorite, and many are hopeful that she will fully recover and return to her winning ways.

 

In a statement released later, Osaka expressed her disappointment but remained optimistic. “It’s never easy to pull out of a match, especially when you’re playing someone as talented as Coco. I felt something was off early in the match, and while I tried to push through, I knew I had to listen to my body. I’ll be working with my team to assess the injury and hopefully be back soon.”

 

What’s Next for Gauff?

 

As for Gauff, the victory propels her into the quarterfinals of the China Open, where she will face another tough opponent. The 20-year-old has been on a meteoric rise since her first Grand Slam title at the US Open and has quickly established herself as one of the top contenders on the WTA Tour.

 

Gauff’s maturity on and off the court has been widely praised, and this latest incident only further cements her reputation as a gracious and thoughtful competitor. While she may have advanced in the tournament, it was clear from her comments that her thoughts were with Osaka and her recovery.

 

The Road Ahead for Osaka

 

With the WTA Finals approaching and the 2025 season on the horizon, Osaka’s team will likely be cautious in managing her return. The injury could prompt her to reconsider her schedule, perhaps taking more time to recover fully before jumping back into competition.

 

Tennis experts have noted that Osaka’s comeback is not just a physical challenge but also a mental one. With a young family and the demands of being a high-profile athlete, Osaka will need to find the right balance if she hopes to return to the level of dominance she once enjoyed.

 

A Rivalry That Will Continue

 

While this particular match ended prematurely, the rivalry between Gauff and Osaka is far from over. Both players represent the future of women’s tennis, and fans can expect many more thrilling encounters between them in the years to come.

 

For now, though, the tennis world will watch closely as Osaka recovers and Gauff continues her impressive run in Beijing.