Coco Gauff performs touching gesture as Naomi Osaka retires injured in China Open clash

Naomi Osaka retired with an apparent back problem

Coco Guaff showed her true colours towards fellow WTA Tour star Naomi Osaka following the pair's China Open clash. Osaka had raced ahead during the round-of-16 tie in Beijing, winning the first set 6-3. Guaff fought back immediately in the second, taking a two-point lead during what looked like being a simple set victory for the American. Osaka did level things up at 2-2, before eventually taking a 4-3 lead, but Guaff's quality prevailed in the end, with the 2023 US Open champion winning the set 6-4.

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However, with the appetite whet for what was gearing up to be a stellar deciding set, Osaka announced she was retiring at 1-1 because of a lower back injury, meaning Guaff was handed the victory and a spot in the last eight. It didn't stop a classy Gauff from assisting the injured Osaka off-court, with the pair sharing a warm embrace, before the victorious 20-year-old helped carry her opponent's equipment. Understandably, tennis fans were left in awe of Gauff's actions, with the Atlanta-born star praised for her gesture. @LeDerius commented: "The sweetest moment after Naomi Osaka was forced to retire from her match against Coco Gauff. Good to see sportsmanship like this!"

Lending a helping hand ??????@CocoGauff helps her opponent off the court after Naomi Osaka is forced to retire due to a lower back injury.

Gauff advances to the #ChinaOpen quarterfinals with the score at 3-6, 6-4, RET. pic.twitter.com/ahm3pavauj — wta (@WTA) October 1, 2024

@CocoBeanSlam replied: "So sweet!!!! One of the many reasons why Coco is loved!!" @EribertoP1 added: "Both amazing players. We keep seeing glimpses of Osaka’s top level, can’t wait to see her at a stable position playing her good tennis. "Same for Coco, this year has been challenging for her, she will find her way back."

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