Coco Gauff continues to showcase her remarkable resilience as she advanced to the final of the China Open after coming back from a set down to defeat Paula Badosa with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. This victory marks the third time in this tournament that Gauff has managed to rally from an initial setback. The sixth-ranked American’s performance demonstrates her tenacity and ability to adapt under pressure, making her a formidable contender in the WTA circuit.
Interestingly, Gauff has developed a habit of slow starts during her matches in Beijing. This time, Badosa, currently ranked 19th in the world, took the first set after a lengthy 59 minutes of play, showcasing her skill by saving a whopping 10 out of 11 break points. Gauff faced significant resistance as Badosa built an early lead in the second set, making it seem like Gauff might falter once again. However, despite trailing 3-1, Gauff managed to flip the match dynamics, saving critical break points and eventually leveling the score at 4-4 with her characteristic grit.
Gauff’s ability to shift momentum in the match was crucial. Following her revitalization after the second set, Gauff held serve at 5-4 and immediately broke Badosa’s serve once more, forcing the match into a decisive third set. The mental fortitude Gauff exhibited throughout the match is notable—the 20-year-old athlete managed to focus on her game even when the odds seemed against her. “I felt like I was playing the right way the whole time,” Gauff reflected, emphasizing her commitment to resetting her mindset throughout the match.
In the final set, Gauff capitalized on her newfound momentum, breaking Badosa’s serve three times while conceding only a single break herself. This remarkable performance was the culmination of 2 hours and 20 minutes of intense competition. Gauff’s journey to the final has not been easy; she also overcame a set deficit against Yuliia Starodubtseva in the quarterfinals, demonstrating her ability to contend with pressure from a range of opponents.
As Gauff prepares for the final match against either Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen or Karolina Muchova, she aims to secure her second WTA-1000 title. With an impressive track record of 7-1 in tour finals, Gauff’s confidence will likely be boosted by her recent performances. Her consistency and comeback ability underscore the exciting future of this young athlete in the realm of professional tennis, indicating that her story is just beginning. The upcoming final will not only test her skills but also serve as a litmus test for her tough mental resolve as she continues to establish herself as a top contender on the WTA tour.