Osaka's Exit Propels Gauff to Next Round at China Open.

Tennis General

Osaka's Exit Propels Gauff to Next Round at China Open.

Coco Gauff advanced to the China Open quarter-finals after Naomi Osaka had to retire due to injury during their last-16 match.

The match was tied at one set each when Naomi Osaka, struggling throughout, had to withdraw due to a lower back injury.

"It was a great match until then," Gauff said. "I wish Naomi a quick recovery. No one likes to win this way, especially with the score so close."

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, called for the physio in the first set but managed to take it 6-3 after breaking Gauff three times. Gauff responded by breaking early in the second set. 

Though Osaka briefly regained control, Gauff fought back, breaking twice to win the second set 6-4.