BEIJING – World No. 6 Coco Gauff reached her consecutive quarterfinals at the China Open after Naomi Osaka withdrew due to injury. Osaka won the first set 6-3 and led with a break in the second set before Gauff came back from 4-3 down to win the last three games of the set before Osaka lost 3-6 due to a lower back injury, 6 eliminated -4.

Beijing: Results | Order of play | Pulls

Gauff was a semifinalist in her tournament debut last year and will next face Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva for a place in her first semifinal since Berlin.

With the victory, Gauff prevailed in the direct duel and led Osaka 3-2. All five matches took place on hard courts.

Going into the game, Osaka was looking to record her fourth straight win for the first time since her comeback from maternity leave. After exchanging serves at the start of the game, Osaka extended her lead to 3-1 after two baseline errors from Gauff.

But after Osaka lost for the second time, she called the coach for a quick chat about the 3-2 change. Osaka looked cautious with her moves in the next two games, taking advantage of Gauff’s more error-prone play to secure a third break before seeing out the set.

Gauff broke out and built a 2-0 lead in the second set, but Osaka fought back coolly. With Gauff’s score at 3:3, 30:30, Osaka benefited from the American’s sixth double fault of the evening and took the lead 4:3. But Osaka made her first double fault of the game on break point, giving her lead back, and Gauff kept the equalizer and led 5-4.

While Osaka struggled to land her first serves, Gauff struck, defeating the four-time major champion to take the second set. Osaka immediately withdrew and greeted Gauff with a hug and an apology.

“I’m sorry,” Gauff said to Osaka. “It’s great to have you back.” Gauff then helped Osaka carry her luggage off the pitch.

More to come…