Coco Gauff shows her sporting side with classy gesture towards Naomi Osaka by…see more

Osaka was too injured to carry on in her China Open clash with Gauff

Coco Gauff’s classy display of sportsmanship towards Naomi Osaka during their fourth-round match at the 2024 China Open has captured the admiration of fans worldwide.

The match, which was heading into a third set after Gauff claimed the second 6-4, was cut short when Osaka had to retire due to a lower back injury.

Osaka had won the first set 6-3, but her injury forced her to withdraw from the tournament.

Instead of celebrating her victory, Gauff showed great empathy, offering Osaka a hug and even volunteering to carry her bag.

She also made sure to ask if Osaka was okay before walking off the court together.

Fans applauded Gauff’s selflessness
The moment didn’t go unnoticed by fans, who quickly took to social media to praise Gauff’s act of kindness.

“She is a true hero,” posted one fan on Twitter.

“This is the sweetest moment,” commented another on the same platform.

It even brought messages of reaffirmation from fans who believe tennis stars can be role models to youngsters.

“When my 6-year-old daughter asks me about role models… this is the sort of thing I will show her. Classy classy lady @CocoGauff,” declared one parent.

The touching interaction between Gauff and Osaka highlighted the mutual respect and sportsmanship between the two, showcasing the positive side of competitive tennis.

With Osaka retiring from the match, Gauff advances to the quarterfinals, where she will face Ukraine’s Yulia Starodubtsewa.

As for Osaka, the former World No. 1 is slowly regaining her form after missing the 2023 season due to maternity leave.

She has already shown signs of her Grand Slam-winning abilities, having defeated World No. 10 Jelena Ostapenko in the US Open and World No. 21 Yulia Putintseva in China before her unfortunate injury.

Gauff’s actions have not only cemented her place as one of the top players in the world but also as a role model both on and off the court.