Coco Gauff says what she ‘didn’t expect’ to happen at the China Open after reaching the quarter-finals

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Coco Gauff is safely into the quarter-finals of the China Open after her round of 16 win over Naomi Osaka.

Osaka thought she had a chance to beat Gauff ahead of the exciting match, and that was certainly proving the case after she took the first set.

But their China Open meeting unfortunately ended early after Gauff took the second set, with Osaka retiring injured.

Gauff told Osaka to be proud of her efforts in the Chinese capital, having been battling through a back injury.

The former now takes on qualifier Yulia Starodubtsewa in the quarter-finals, having beaten Clara Burel and Katie Boulter in previous rounds.

Coco Gauff surprised by China Open run after win over Naomi Osaka

Gauff’s strong China Open run comes immediately after her disappointing US Open title defence, where she lost in the round of 16.

However, as quoted by the WTA website, the American has admitted such a run in China wasn’t her main goal.

“I’m not focused on results at all at this point in the season,” said Gauff. “It’s one of those sacrifices. It’s great to be in the quarters, I probably didn’t expect it to be honest.

“But it’s one of those things where you sacrifice to get better in the long term. I’m treating this tournament as practice and everything is a plus.”

Coco Gauff impressing under new coach Matt Daly

Gauff may not have been eyeing China Open success, but it would certainly do her confidence the world of good.

Perhaps her coaching change has played a part in the Beijing adventure, with the 20-year-old having recently brought in coach Matt Daly.

That appointment came after the decision to part ways with Brad Gilbert, with whom Gauff won her one and only Grand Slam title to date at the 2023 US Open.

A title defence was, however, brought to an abrupt end by compatriot Emma Navarro in New York this time last month.

But Gauff is looking strong once more, although the China Open fourth seed will likely have to make it past top seed Aryna Sabalenka in order to lift the trophy this week.