Beijing Preview: Much has changed since Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka last met in 2022

Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka will meet for the first time since the 2022 season when they clash at the China Open Tuesday in Beijing. Much has changed during that period to say the least.

It marks the pair’s first encounter since Gauff joined Osaka in the Grand Slam champion club, as well as their first showdown since the four-time major winner returned to the WTA Tour following a 15-month break.

This looks to be Osaka’s best chance to make her most significant run to date this year. Her three wins this week are tied for the most she’s compiled at a single tournament in 2024, having also advanced to the round of 16 in the 96-player draw at Rome.

The 26-year-old knows what it takes to go all the way at the China National Tennis Center as the winner of the WTA 1000 back in 2019. A victory over the American is projected to push Osaka back inside the Top 50.

As for Gauff, she advanced to the semifinals on her event debut a year ago before falling to eventual title holder Iga Swiatek. The No. 4 seed dropped outside of the Top 5 this month after seeing her US Open title defense ended in the round of 16 by countrywoman Emma Navarro, but remains in strong position to qualify for another WTA Finals appearance.

The Delray Beach, Fla. native has split her four prior meetings with Osaka. Like the one set to unfold, all have come on hard courts. Neither player has managed to win consecutive meetings either: if history repeats itself, Osaka is due to advance this time.

• 2019 US Open third round: Osaka won, 6-3, 6-0
• 2020 Australian Open third round: Gauff won, 6-3, 6-4
• 2021 Cincinnati second round: Osaka won, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
• 2022 San Jose: Gauff won 6-4, 6-4

Both competitors also feature reshuffled teams. Osaka is debuting her collaboration with coach Patrick Mouratoglou after parting ways with Wim Fissette. Gauff confirmed the addition of Matt Daly to join Jean-Christophe Faurel following her split from Brad Gilbert.