The WTA stars went head-to-head in their last clash, with Osaka sadly being forced to withdraw with a back injury while winning Prior to the match, Osaka was on a nine-match winning run in Beijing, while Gauff is yet to drop a set after seemingly putting this year's inconsistent form behind her. This was a much-anticipated fifth meeting between two of the WTA Tour's biggest stars - and a first since - and Gauff had just levelled at one-set all when Osaka, who received medical treatment early in the contest, shook hands.
Their rivalry could continue for years to come, though, and the first time they met in set the tone for what may go down as a historic back and forth. Gauff burst onto the scene as a year-old, stunning Venus Williams in the first round at Wimbledon - her first ever Grand Slam match - and making it all the way to the last 16 before losing to Simona Halep. She then won two three-set thrillers on home soil at the US Open to set up a blockbuster clash with defending champion Osaka - herself only 21 years old at the time, but also a two-time major champion.
The 24,strong crowd was desperate for Gauff to upset the world No. It was all too much for the teenage sensation, who was pictured in floods of tears as Osaka tried to console her.
Even after a comprehensive victory, Osaka knew she had seen something special on the opposite side of the net. A year previously, Osaka's US Open triumph had been overshadowed by Serena Williams arguing with chair umpire Carlos Ramos after being beaten in the final.
But Osaka was happy to put her victory to one side and urged Gauff to soak up the love of the crowd before heading to the locker room. Osaka's emotions almost got the better of her before the match begun after seeing Gauff hug dad Corey. Returning to , year-old Osaka looks like she is hitting her stride after taking a break from tennis to welcome daughter Shai to the world last year.
