Coco Gauff Speaks on the Behavior of Chinese Crowd Amid Controversies on Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Townsend

Coco Gauff is battling for the World No.1 ranking alongside Iga Swiatek.

Coco Gauff Speaks on the Behavior of Chinese Crowd Amid Controversies on Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Townsend

Coco Gauff (Image via X/Coco Gauff Fans)

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Coco Gauff has been soaking up the love from Chinese fans during her run at the China Open. The World No. 3 has received superstar treatment in Beijing, with thoughtful gifts and warm support that she admitted left her pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere has added to her enjoyment of the tournament despite some tense moments on court.

Despite the latest controversies coming around Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Townsend, Gauff remains a fan favorite in the Asian country. Her latest test came against Leylah Fernandez in the round of 32. The clash stretched beyond three hours, with Gauff pushed to the limit before grinding out the win. Gauff said in her post-match press conference:

I love sports. I think what I love most about being an athlete is precisely the fact that I can travel around the world and experience different cultures. If it weren’t for tennis, I don’t think I could afford to travel to China. I definitely would have wanted to come here. I’m very grateful. I would say the Chinese fans are by far the friendliest on the entire tour.

Earlier in the event, Gauff eased past Kamilla Rakhimova in her opener, looking sharper and more assured. Against Fernandez, however, she had to dig far deeper, relying on her defensive strength and mental toughness to survive. It was a reminder that even one of the game’s brightest stars cannot take any match lightly.

Next up, the American faces Belinda Bencic in the fourth round. The Swiss player brings experience and variety, making her a dangerous opponent. With the Beijing crowd firmly behind her, Gauff will look to raise her level again as she continues her push for the title.

Coco Gauff keeps Beijing Open title defense alive

American star Coco Gauff’s title defense at the China Open is still alive, but it came under serious threat from Leylah Fernandez. The second seed looked in control for much of the match, leading by a set and a break, then holding match point at 5-2 in the third set. Yet Fernandez refused to fold, pushing the contest to the brink before Gauff scraped through 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 after nearly three hours on court.

Coco Gauff (via X/Jose Morgado)
Coco Gauff (via X/Jose Morgado)

Before this clash, Gauff had never lost a set to Fernandez in their professional meetings. The Canadian had struggled in the past to sustain the firepower needed to break down the American’s defenses. This time, though, Fernandez showed greater consistency and resilience, forcing Gauff into uncomfortable positions throughout the match.

On Diamond Court, Fernandez produced some of her best tennis. She mixed aggression with superb defense, often turning points around in spectacular fashion. Gauff, however, responded in kind, matching her opponent’s intensity and using her athleticism to stay in rallies until the right opportunity appeared.

The final set was a rollercoaster, beginning with five straight service breaks. Gauff seemed to regain control when she surged ahead, only for Fernandez to rally once more and threaten an upset. In the end, the defending champion steadied herself, holding firm in the last two games to close out a dramatic victory and keep her title bid intact.

Coco Gauff takes down Leylah Fernandez

American tennis star Coco Gauff will next face Belinda Bencic in the fourth round after the Swiss fought back from a set and a break down to defeat qualifier Priscilla Hon 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Gauff holds a 3-2 edge in their rivalry, including two wins this season. The matchup promises to be another test for the American as she continues her title defense in Beijing.

Coco Gauff (via X/Ground Press)
Coco Gauff (via X/Ground Press)

Against Leylah Fernandez, Gauff initially looked in command. She claimed the opening set 6-4 and then broke early in the second. Her defensive skills turned several rallies around, including a 20-shot exchange that ended with a sharp overhead smash for a 3-2 lead. Yet Fernandez responded, capitalizing on Gauff’s dip in first-serve percentage to claw her way back into the match.

The Canadian produced inspired tennis to level the contest. At 5-4 in the second set, she showcased creativity with a clever drop shot and an extraordinary defensive point, forcing Gauff to miss a rare backhand.

The decider began with both players trading blows and breaks of serve, before Gauff surged ahead with another stunning defensive pass for 4-2. But serving for the win at 5-2, she faltered on match point, allowing Fernandez to launch another comeback.

With errors creeping in, including nine double faults, Gauff looked vulnerable as Fernandez threatened to score her first victory in their rivalry. Momentum appeared to swing toward the Canadian, but Gauff once again steadied herself.

At 5-5, Fernandez cracked under pressure, netting a forehand on the fourth break point of the game. This time, Gauff closed the door with authority, finishing the match on a bold serve-and-volley to seal her third match point.

Also Read: Iga Swiatek Makes Sarcastic Remarks Over Journalist’s Question About Change in On-Court Behavior After Relinquishing the World No.1 Spot