The Japanese Naomi Osaka, former world No. 1, qualified for the round of 16 of the China Open by winning against the American Katie Volynets (world 60), 6-3, 6-2, this Monday in Beijing.
In the next round, she will face the American Coco Gauff6th in the ranking WTA. The Japanese are playing their first tournament under the leadership of the Frenchman Patrick Mouratoglounotably known for having been the former coach of the American star Serena Williams.
OsakaThe 26-year-old has struggled for consistency since returning to tennis in January, following the birth of her daughter Shai in July last year, and is currently ranked 73rd in the world. She recently lost in the second round of theUS Open and her best results since becoming a mother have been two quarter-finals.
Osaka won seven titles on the circuit WTAwhoseOpen the China in 2019, the same year she triumphed at theAustralian Open for the first time. She also won the title at Melbourne in 2021 and has been twice crowned at theUS Open.
Gauffwho won theUS Open in 2023, won his place for the round of 16 at Beijing by winning 7-5, 6-2 against the British Katie Boulter Sunday. The 20-year-old is the No. 4 seed in the Beijing tournament.
The Belarusian world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka for her part quietly qualified at the expense of the American Ashlyn Krueger6-2, 6-2. She will find herself in the eighth Beijing another American player in the person of Madison Keys (24th in the world), who defeated the Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia6-3, 6-3.
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