Coco Gauff wins the ASB Classic in a great start to 2023
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) – Top-seeded American Coco Gauff capped an impressive start to the season Sunday by beating Spanish qualifier Viktoria Masarova 6-1, 6-1 in the final of the ‘ASB Classic.
Gauff claimed her third WTA Tour title, but first in years on hard courts, boosting her confidence ahead of the Australian Open.
The game was marred by another of the long rain breaks that have been typical of a week in Auckland where games have been delayed or forced indoors. Gauff, 18, handled the weather challenge better than most because he’s used to rain interruptions from the tropical climate of his native Florida.
She didn’t drop a set all week, although she faced tough matches against former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and seventh seed Danka Kovinic.
“It’s been a great week for me despite the rain,” Gauff said. “I couldn’t ask for a better start to the season.
“It’s my first title on hard courts since I was 15, so it’s lovely to finally do well on a surface I love.”
Gauff has been in outstanding form throughout the tournament, building his game behind a strong serve. She was powerful from the baseline and accurate when taking passing shots.
Gauff came to the net often and decisively. Whenever he did, he played with purpose and executed ruthlessly, pinching Masarova’s attempted passes. Even when both players were at the net in the fourth game of the second set, Gauff kept her cool and served her opponent to take the point.
No. 130 Masarova had an outstanding week to reach her first WTA Tour final. But he was playing in his eighth straight game and that effort might have been telling. He tried everything on Sunday, but Gauff had an answer.
“I’m happy that I was able to reach my first WTA final, but I was disappointed with today’s match,” said Masarova. “I felt like I couldn’t really play my game, but Coco was playing amazing and didn’t really give me a chance.
“I had a lot of tough matches. I think that helped keep me physically fit all week, but it was a long week of stopping and starting. I think I warmed up about 25 times.”
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