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.
