AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Prime-seeded American Coco Gauff capped a commanding begin to the brand new season Sunday by beating Spanish qualifier Rebeka Masarova 6-1, 6-1 within the remaining of the ASB Basic.
Gauff claimed her third WTA Tour title however her first in years on arduous courts, boosting her confidence forward of the Australian Open.
The match was punctuated by one other of the lengthy rain breaks that has been typical of every week in Auckland by which matches both have been delayed or compelled indoors. The 18-year-old Gauff coped higher than most with the problem posed by the climate as a result of she has been used to rain interruptions by the tropical local weather of her native Florida.
She didn’t drop a set all week, although she confronted powerful matches towards former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and seventh-seeded Danka Kovinic.
“It’s been an amazing week for me regardless of the rain,” Gauff mentioned. “I couldn’t ask for a greater begin to my season.
“It’s my first title on arduous courts since I used to be 15 so it’s beautiful to lastly do nicely on a floor that I really like.”
Gauff has regarded in excellent type all event, constructing her sport behind a robust serve. She was highly effective from the baseline and correct when she unleashed passing pictures.
Gauff got here to the web typically and decisively. Each time she did so she performed with objective and executed ruthlessly, pinching off Masarova’s tried passes. Even when each gamers had been on the internet within the fourth sport of the second set, Gauff saved her composure and lobbed her opponent to take the purpose.
Masarova, ranked No. 130, had an excellent week to succeed in her first WTA Tour remaining. However she was enjoying her eighth straight sport and that effort could have informed. She tried every little thing on Sunday however Gauff had a solution.
“I’m glad I used to be capable of attain my first WTA remaining however I used to be dissatisfied with as we speak’s match,” Masarova mentioned. “I felt I couldn’t actually play my sport however Coco was enjoying superb and didn’t actually give me an opportunity.
“I had lots of powerful matches. I feel that helped me keep bodily good all through the week nevertheless it was a protracted week with the stopping and beginning. I feel I warmed up about 25 instances.”
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