Naomi Osaka will play Coco Gauff in the round of 16 at the Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose, and she had positive things to say about the teenager before their clash.
The Japanese star played her first match since splitting with her coach, Wim Fissette, in the opening round against Qinwen Zheng. Osaka battled through that contest in three sets.
Although the four-time Grand Slam champion was undoubtedly happy to win, she knows a better performance will be needed against Gauff, who is the No. 6 seed in San Jose.
The 18-year-old reached her first Grand Slam final at this year's French Open, not losing a set during her route to the final. The world No. 1 Iga Swiatek proved too strong in the final, but it was still a breakthrough tournament for Gauff.
Osaka believes Gauff has a great future ahead of Her. She said it is only a matter of time before the American wins a Grand Slam and that she is still learning a lot with each tournament she plays.
"She's been on the tour for a while, and I think people don't know that because of how young she is. She's improving every year, so I think there's a lot that she's learning. It's only a matter of time before she wins a [Grand] Slam."
The two-time US Open winner's point about Gauff being on the tour for a while is easily forgotten. Gauff is still a teenager, but it has been over three years since she made her breakthrough at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships.
That means this year's French Open runner-up is already wise beyond her years, yet she still has much time to gain more experience and confidence. Someone of Osaka's class believing a major title is inevitable will only add to Gauff's belief.
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