US tennis player Coco Gauff continued her stellar year, claiming the China Open title on Sunday with a dominant 6-1, 6-3 victory over Karolina Muchová. The win marks the 20-year-old American’s eighth career WTA title and makes her the first American to win the tournament since Serena Williams in 2013, CNN reports.
Gauff’s victory also etched her name in the WTA history books. She became the first woman in the Open Era to win her first seven hard-court finals, showcasing her remarkable consistency and composure on the surface.
“I want to say congratulations to you Karolina. It’s great to see you back on tour. I think you’re such an amazing player and you deserve everything,” Gauff said in her post-match interview.
The match was a testament to Gauff’s impressive power and athleticism. She wasted no time asserting her dominance, wrapping up the first set in a mere 30 minutes, despite Muchová’s recent string of victories against top players like US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen.
Muchová, who has battled injuries this season, couldn’t match Gauff’s intensity and physicality. The American’s controlled aggression was evident in her eight unforced errors compared to Muchová’s 24.
Gauff’s previous struggles with her serve briefly resurfaced at the start of the second set, allowing Muchová to take a 2-0 lead. However, Gauff immediately broke back, reasserting control and ultimately sealing her victory.
This title marks Gauff’s first in nine months and her first under new coach Matt Daly, following her decision to move away from long-time coach Brad Gilbert last month. Gilbert was instrumental in Gauff’s breakthrough year in 2023, which included her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, as well as titles in Cincinnati and Washington.
