Coco Gauff Stages Comeback To Reach First China Open Final.
Fourth seed Coco Gauff produced a remarkable comeback to secure her spot in the China Open final, overcoming Spain’s Paula Badosa in a gruelling three-set semi-final. The 20-year-old American battled back from a set and a break down to claim a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory in two hours and 21 minutes.
Badosa, a former world number two and currently ranked 19th, had looked set to take control of the match when she served at 4-3 up in the second set. However, Gauff broke back and went on to win four consecutive games, setting up a decider. In the final set, Gauff maintained her momentum and closed out the match in style.
The victory marks Gauff’s first-ever appearance in the China Open final, where she will face either unseeded Czech Karolina Muchova or local favourite, fifth seed Qinwen Zheng.
Badosa entered the semi-final in fine form, having climbed from 140th in the rankings in May and recently defeating second seed and US Open finalist Jessica Pegula in the last 16. Despite her strong start, Badosa was unable to capitalise on Gauff’s inconsistencies, particularly on serve, as the American tallied 11 double faults throughout the match.
Gauff’s victory comes under the guidance of her new coach, Matt Daly, following her decision to part ways with Brad Gilbert last month after her fourth-round exit at the US Open. This impressive turnaround in Beijing signifies Gauff’s determination to continue building momentum as she targets another major title.
