Coco Gauff vs. Naomi Osaka Prediction China Open Tennis Picks 10/01/24

Coco Gauff easily made it to the round of 16 at the 2024 China Open by defeating British No. 1 Katie Boulter in straight sets. Gauff led 5-2 in the opening set before it was reduced to 5-5. However, she secured a crucial break later on and took the set 7-5 thanks to two errors from Boulter's racket.

The second set was one-sided traffic as Gauff asserted her authority in the game by breaking serve twice and converting her second match point to round out a 7-5, 6-2 victory in 85 minutes.

It was Gauff's sixth victory on hard court since the beginning of August.

Naomi Osaka, on the other hand, had to play her third round match against Katie Voylnets 24 hours later on Sunday due to persistent rain. The Japanese star easily defeated the young American 6:3, 6:2 in 78 minutes.

In the win, Osaka tallied five aces and one double fault. She scored 56% of the first serves in the match and won 82% of the first serve points (23/28). Osaka won 68% of second serve points (15/22) and converted three of eight break points.

This was also Osaka's sixth win on hardcourt since early August.

Coco Gauff vs. Naomi Osaka Head-to-Head

• Gauff and Osaka are tied 2-2 in the direct duel.

• The couple has not met since the 2022 San Jose Open.

Coco Gauff vs Naomi Osaka prediction

Osaka has been hit-and-miss for most of this year, but this was a very good start for her and Patrick Mouratoglou as far as their new partnership is concerned. I was completely impressed by her composure and you can almost see the immediate impact the experienced French coach makes, playing more of a mentor role.

Gauff is looking for a new coach after cutting ties with Brad Gilbert, but the obvious weaknesses still exist in her game. Osaka is the best choice here. This tournament already looks to be a major turning point for her second coming, and we're happy to support her in emerging victorious in this blockbuster.