Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff on potential collision course in Cincinnati

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No. 2 Naomi Osaka and No. 1 Ash Barty are returning to the court in Cincinnati.

The 2021 Western & Southern Open draw has been released, previewing some intriguing early-round matchups.

Osaka could face Coco Gauff in the second round should the 17-year-old phenom advance out of her first-round match. The American tennis star has the ability to upset Osaka, having defeated the world No. 2 in the 2020 Australian Open.

Another notable match is the first-round showdown between Madison Keys and No. 11 Petra Kvitova. Keys will be a formidable opponent for Kvitova, having won in Cincinnati in 2019.

No. 1 Barty will also make her triumphant return to the court after her historic Wimbledon win, receiving a bye in the first round.

The Western & Southern Open kicks off on Aug. 16 in Cincinnati.