Coco Gauff breezes past Karolina Muchova in China Open final to clinch 2nd title on WTA Tour this year
Coco Gauff won her second WTA Tour title of the season after beating Karolina Muchova in straight sets at the China Open.
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Karolina Muchova, Coco Gauff (Images via X)
Coco Gauff wrote her name in the history books on Sunday (October 6). She became the youngest China Open champion in 14 years after storming past Karolina Muchova 6-1, 6-3 in the final on Diamond Court. The win also made Gauff the only second American to win the title in Beijing after Serena Williams‘ success in 2004 and 2013.
This was the 20-year-old’s second title on the WTA Tour this season, following her triumph at the ASB Classic. It is also Gauff’s second WTA 1000 title after she took home the Cincinnati Open last year.
Gauff has now improved her head-to-head lead over Muchova to 3-0 and won them without dropping a set. Muchova, before setting up the final clash with Gauff, had to beat reigning US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals and Paris Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng in the semifinals. The 2023 French Open finalist, who was No. 49 in the rankings will now enter the Top 30.
Although Gauff breezed past Muchova, she won her previous two matches against Paula Badosa and Yuliia Starodubtseva after losing the first set in both. Gauff and Muchova’s next destination is Wuhan for the last WTA 1000 event. The main draw matches will start on October 7.
Coco Gauff wins first tournament after coaching changes
Coco Gauff won the 2023 US Open but failed to defend her title in 2024. After losing to compatriot Emma Navarro in the fourth round, she parted ways with coach Brad Gilbert, who had been a part of her team for 14 months and under whom, Gauff won her first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.
Matt Daly has now joined her team and the China Open was the first tournament Gauff played under Daly’s tutelage. The 20-year-old, after the win, thanked Daly for her success.
I would like to thank my team. It’s our first tournament together as a full, complete team. Thank you, Matt, this is our first tournament together, and obviously, it’s going well, so thank you for helping me throughout this week.
Coco Gauff said after the match
The China Open was Gauff’s eighth title on the WTA Tour. It has also improved her chances of securing a place for the WTA Finals in Riyadh which will feature the top eight players. Gauff will now take the fifth spot in the rankings ahead of the Wuhan Open.
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Gouri Das
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