2020 Australian Open – Naomi Osaka vs Coco Gauff Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Naomi Osaka vs Coco Gauff taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne
When is Naomi Osaka vs Coco Gauff on and what time does it start? Friday 24th January, 2020 – not before 08:00 (UK)
What is the expected weather for Naomi Osaka vs Coco Gauff? Partly cloudy, 22c
What channel is Naomi Osaka vs Coco Gauff on? The 2020 Australian Open will be televised on Eurosport so it is worth checking their schedule for this specific match
Where can I stream Naomi Osaka vs Coco Gauff in the UK? Sky customers can stream this match on the Sky Go app. Alternatively, the match can be streamed to subscribers of Eurosport Player, either on the official website or as an add-on to an Amazon Prime subscription
Where can I get tickets for Naomi Osaka vs Coco Gauff? Click here to reach the official 2020 Australian Open ticket selection
Who won the last meeting between Naomi Osaka vs Coco Gauff? Naomi Osaka beat Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-0
THE LOWDOWN
NAOMI OSAKA
- Naomi Osaka made it consecutive straight-sets victories and by the same scoreline as she beat Zheng Saisai comfortably 6-2, 6-4 in the second round of the Australian Open.
- In doing so the world number four has set up a Grand Slam third-round rematch against teenage sensation Coco Gauff, after beating the American 6-3, 6-0 at last year’s US Open.
- The 22-year-old showed great empathy after that match in first comforting a devastated Gauff, who played better than the score suggested, and then convincing her to stay on court during the post-match interview where she praised Gauff and her parents.
COCO GAUFF
- 15-year-old Coco Gauff is through to her third consecutive Grand Slam third round after coming back from a set down to Sorana Cirstea to set up a dream tie with Osaka.
- The American youngster took just over two hours to get past a good player in Cirstea but ultimately took more risks as a more powerful player, weighing up 39 unforced errors with 30 winners.
- World number 67 Gauff will break her career-best WTA ranking of 66th at the close of her third Grand Slam whatever happens and can match her best showing at a major with a victory here.
THE PREDICTION
The media circus around Coco Gauff was big enough without a rematch against Naomi Osaka, but the pair play in consecutive Grand Slam third rounds here in what should be one of the most-watched matches in Melbourne. Gauff is improving all the time and looks like a teenage Grand Slam champion waiting to happen, but it is important to stay objective. There are at least 10 players left in the draw that the powerful 15-year-old could have beaten at this stage, but 3rd seed and reigning champion Osaka is very unlikely to be one of them. A closer match than last time, perhaps, but a celebration of a new generation, definitely.
