Naomi Osaka had to retire mid-match against Coco Gauff during the 2024 China Open due to a back injury. However, the Japanese star has explained her feelings on an Instagram post.

The Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff blockbuster in Beijing has just finished in very shocking but also unfortunate circumstances as the Japanese tennis star abruptly retired from the match after the American sent their quarterfinal match into a third set.

Coco Gauff reached the quarter-finals of the China Open after Naomi Osaka retired with a back injury in Beijing. This was a much-anticipated fifth meeting between two of the WTA Tour’s biggest stars – and a first since 2022 – and Gauff had just levelled at one-set all when Osaka, who received medical treatment early in the contest, shook hands.