Coco Gauff put on a Beijing final masterclass to defeat Czech comeback star Karolina Muchova in straight sets
Coco Gauff dominated the unseeded giant-slayer Karolina Muchova to win the China Open final 6-1, 6-3.
In doing so, Gauff became the first Open Era player to emerge victorious in each of their first seven WTA hard-court finals.
The American punished the ball in clinical style, striking 24 winners against an often helpless Muchova.
Without a final appearance since retaining her Auckland at the start of the year, Gauff now adds the Beijing trophy to her collection.
Coincidentally, her first WTA 1000 title of her career in Cincinnati last year also came against Muchova, with the Czech now trailing 3-0 to her 20-year-old rival.
Coco Gauff dispels myth after China Open triumph
Gauff certainly hasn’t had the most routine of run-ins for the China Open and yet has left with the rather enormous trophy.
Gauff parted ways with Brad Gilbert after 14 months together, with her premature US Open exit 12 months on from her title-winning run, the final straw.
Having since appointed Matt Daly as her new coach, Gauff couldn’t have got off to a better start.
The American was quick to remind everyone of her age after the match: “The result confirms to me that we are heading in the right direction. Many times people forget that I am still in the career development phase and that not everything will be great.
“Most people doing well are 25 years or older in the Top 10, maybe with the exception of Iga. We have a long way to go, and I still have many things to work on, but I am proud of myself so far,” said the American as per Punto de break.
“I didn’t have a complete game at 15 and I don’t have it now, but I have been on the circuit playing almost every week, trying to get better. I am super proud of it.”
Where is Coco Gauff playing next?
The Asian swing continues on its thrilling and pacy trajectory about 1100 kilometers south in Wuhan – a tournament last a part of the WTA Tour in 2019.
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka, despite having technically not played there in five years, is on track for a hat-trick after winning in both 2018 and 2019.
With Gauff the number four seed, she is in a difficult half of the draw with both Sabalenka and her US Open and Wimbledon conqueror Emma Navarro.
Having received a first-round bye, Gauff is set to play either compatriot Ashyln Krueger or Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova.
