Coco Gauff Helps Naomi Osaka Off the Court After Back Injury

Coco Gauff helped Naomi Osaka off the court following their shortened match.

Naomi Osaka of Japan (left) consoles Coco Gauff of the USA after their third round match on day six of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Tennis fans had long awaited the rematch between Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka. The two transformational women's players had played four times before today's Round of 16 match at the China Open.

Unfortunately, the match did not enjoy a thrilling conclusion. After losing the first set 3-6, Osaka battled back to win the second set 6-4. However, she was forced to retire in the third set due to a back injury.

Picking her moment to pounce 🐅@naomiosaka | #ChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/mILfcB5iFg

— wta (@WTA) October 1, 2024

Osaka explained on social media, "I locked my back up during practice earlier and honestly wasn't sure if I could even play but I just wanted to try, unfortunately things just got progressively worse during the match. Totally worth it though lol."

The highlight of the match actually came after it was over when Gauff helped Osaka carry her bags off the court. The two players have had a strong relationship built on mutual admiration for years.

Coco showing us yet again that she’s a class act. Always quick to uplift and lend a hand. Wishing Naomi a speedy recovery 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/TqRQw0JV7f

— Served with Andy Roddick (@Served_Podcast) October 1, 2024

When speaking with the media, Gauff said, "I wish Naomi a speedy recovery. Nobody wants to win a match like this, especially at one set all. Overall, I tried my best. It wasn't my best tennis. I don't know, it was just one of those matches where you're trying your best each point."

Gauff will face Yulia Starodubtsewa in the quarterfinals of the China Open on Wednesday. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

More Tennis News

• Coco Gauff reflects on her summer after early exit from the US Open.

• Iga Swiatek explained why she will not play in the China Open.

• Emma Raducanu will miss the China Open after suffering a foot injury.