US Open champion Coco Gauff kicked off her debut at the China Open in style, defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets. The No.3 seed triumphed with a 7-5, 6-3 victory that lasted for 1 hour and 22 minutes, securing a spot in the second round.
Gauff, who recently claimed the US Open title, extended her winning streak to 13 matches. Her incredible run dates back to a quarterfinal loss in Montreal against Jessica Pegula. Since her first-round defeat at Wimbledon against Sofia Kenin, the 19-year-old American has won 19 out of 20 matches.
The China Open marked another milestone for Gauff as she improved her record against Top 20 opposition to 12-6 overall in 2023. What’s particularly impressive is her remarkable progress over the second half of the season. Up until Roland Garros, Gauff had a 2-5 record against Top 20 players. However, since then, she has won 10 of her 11 matches against them, with her only loss coming against Pegula.
This latest victory also served as revenge for Gauff, who suffered a 6-4, 6-0 defeat to Alexandrova in the second round of Berlin on grass in June. Overall, Gauff now holds a 2-1 record against Alexandrova and has emerged victorious in both of their hard-court encounters.
Gauff’s next challenge in the tournament will be former World No.14 Petra Martic. The two players have met only once before, with Gauff coming out on top in a three-set battle at the second round of Adelaide 2021.
The match against Alexandrova saw momentum swinging back and forth in the first set. Gauff initially stormed to a 4-0 lead, but Alexandrova managed to find her rhythm and level the score at 4-4. However, the inconsistency in Alexandrova’s serve and groundstrokes ultimately worked in Gauff’s favor. Despite hitting more winners (19 to Gauff’s 11), Alexandrova committed more unforced errors (24, including six double faults) compared to Gauff’s 11. At crucial moments, Alexandrova faltered, gifting Gauff triple set point in the first set, which Gauff converted with a stunning backhand winner down the line. In the second set, Alexandrova squandered break points in both of Gauff’s first two service games.
Conversely, Gauff displayed composure on important points. Taking advantage of Alexandrova’s errors, she seized the opportunity to secure the first set. In the sixth game of the second set, Gauff produced a dazzling display of three winners, giving her a commanding 4-2 lead.
Gauff’s victory at the China Open demonstrates her remarkable form and growing prowess on the tennis court. With every match, she continues to solidify her position among the elite players and establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
