Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka advanced to the last 16 of the China Open with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over American Katie Volynets in Beijing on Monday. This sets up a highly anticipated clash with 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff.
Osaka, who is ranked 73rd in the world after a challenging return to tennis following the birth of her daughter Shai last year, is competing under the guidance of her new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, the former long-time coach of Serena Williams. The 26-year-old has struggled for consistency, with two quarter-final appearances being her best results since her comeback.
Osaka has won seven WTA titles, including the China Open in 2019 and two US Open titles. She will face Gauff, the 20-year-old fourth seed, who secured her spot in the last 16 with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Britain’s Katie Boulter.
