The first Grand Slam of the season is currently underway in Australia. The third round of the tournament will begin on Friday, and the highlight match will be Naomi Osaka against Coco Gauff. The two will meet for the second time in their careers after Osaka won their first match at the US Open.
Naomi Osaka’s kind gesture towards Coco
In New York, Coco was a fan favorite, and many wanted her to have a deep run in the tournament after her good performance in Wimbledon. She had reached the round of 16 in Wimbledon and had defeated experienced players such as Venus Williams. However, American tennis fans were disappointed after she fell 6-3 6-0 in the third round to Osaka. The Japanese star made a rare gesture of goodwill by inviting Coco to speak to the media after their match. Naomi said that she wanted the 15-year-old to address her fans who had come out to support her. Both players were emotional during the interview, with Coco thanking Osaka for her kindness.
Uplift one another 🤗💪👏@CocoGauff | @Naomi_Osaka_ | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/XtZIefrs1v
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2019
PREDICTION. Naomi Osaka vs Coco Gauff at the Australian Open
Five months later, the two will play each other in another third-round match at a major tournament. Coco has improved dramatically since her defeat to Osaka, winning her first WTA title as well as breaking into the top 100 in the rankings. The world No. 4 has also won two WTA titles since their last match, as well as playing at the WTA Finals. The match will be a huge test for Coco, but she is confident she can cause an upset. “I know what to expect. I’m excited about a good match.” On their first meeting, the American admitted that she was a little nervous, but she would not let the nerves get to her this time. The 15-year-old says she will match Osaka’s aggressive style during their match.
Coco has again expressed her gratitude towards the Japanese for her sportsmanlike behavior last season. Osaka is the defending champion in Australia. She is among the favorites to win the tournament this year, along with Serena Williams. However, Gauff could be a dark horse for the competition if she defeats Osaka in their match. The former world number one has been in fine form in Australia. She defeated Zheng Saisai 6-2 6-4 in her second-round match. She used the fans cheering for her opponent as motivation to win the match. “I got fired up when she got up 4-2 and people started clapping more.”
The prediction is Naomi winning in 3 set.
Osaka at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2020
Currently ranked no.4, Naomi has a 5-1 win-loss record in 2020. The Japanese is competing at the Australian Open where she toppled Marie Bouzkova 6-2 6-4 and Saisai Zheng 6-2 6-4.
Naomi Osaka will take on Gauff in the 3rd round. The head to head is 1-0 for Osaka.
The last time that they locked horns, Osaka won 6-3 6-0 in the 3rd round in New York (U.S. Open) in August 2019.
Naomi won 5 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)
Gauff at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2020
Now ranked no.67, Gauff has a 3-1 win-loss record in 2020. Cori is currently playing at the Australian Open where she toppled Venus Williams 7-65 6-3 and Sorana Cirstea 4-6 6-3 7-5.
Cori Gauff will square off with Osaka in the 3rd round. The head to head is 1-0 for Osaka.
The last time that they played each other, Osaka won 6-3 6-0 in the 3rd round in New York (U.S. Open) in August 2019.
Naomi Osaka and Cori Gauff played each other 1 time. The head to head is 1-0 for Osaka.
The last time that they fought against each other, Naomi Osaka won 6-3 6-0 in the 3rd round in New York (U.S. Open) in August 2019.
In the following video you can watch the key moments of their match.
Naomi Osaka and Cori Gauff |
| Embed from Getty Images |
