Gauff defeats Muchova 6-1, 6-3 for WTA 1000 title in Beijing
Coco Gauff reached her second final of the season in Beijing and first since January when she triumphed at the ASB Classic. Unable to defend her US Open crown last month (l. Navarro) and with the double faults and doubts continuing to mount, she has retooled her game and team.
The twenty-year-old American appeared mentally fragile and emotionally scarred as the unforced errors and frustration accrued throughout the season. Having reached a career-high rank of #2 in June, she is currently ranked sixth.
Karolina Muchova from the Czech Republic has fought her own battles this season but they were predominantly contested off-court. After reaching the semis at the 2023 US Open and a career-high rank of #8, she struggled with her wrist and had surgery this past January.
Since returning to the tour during the grass court swing, she reached the final in Palermo (l. Zheng) and the semis at the US Open (l. Pegula). Currently ranked #49, the twenty-eight-year-old eliminated two top-ten opponents – Aryna Sabalenka, and Qwinen Zheng – en route to the final. Gauff led the head-to-head 2-0; both last season, on hardcourt and in straights.
Reuters/Florence Lo
The American was in search of her second WTA 1000 title, Muchova her first. With thirty-seven double faults through five rounds, Gauff elected to serve after winning the toss.
She opened with an ace out wide and held to love. Muchova hit an ace up the tee but faced two deuce, three break points, and dumped serve.
Gauff made 2/4 first serves and consolidated the break at love for 3-0 while Muchova made 5/6 first serves including her second ace to get on the board. The American struck two consecutive winners including her second ace and held at love for the third time to lead 4-1.
Muchova gifted three consecutive errors including a double fault and dropped serve when she netted a backhand volley. Gauff faced break point with her first double fault but with additional winners, secured the set in thirty minutes.
Muchova served first in the second and with three incredible winners including a serve and volley play, held easily to 15. Gauff hit three winners including her fifth ace but dumped serve with three double faults and Muchova gave back the break following three consecutive winners from Gauff.
The American continued to stalk the baseline and cover the court with a sense of urgency. She made 4/4 first serves, hit two forehand volley…
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