Sixth ranked Coco Gauff, a rising tennis player staged an impressive comeback to defeat Paula Badosa and secure her spot in the China Open final. The 20-year-old American battled back from a set and a break down, ultimately winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Initially, Badosa, ranked 19th in the world and a former world number two, seemed in control. She led 4-3 in the second set and served well. However, Gauff broke her serve, shifting the momentum. Gauff then won four consecutive games to set up a decisive third set, wrapping up the match in two hours and 21 minutes.
In the final tennis match, Gauff will face either unseeded Czech player Karolina Muchova or home favorite and fifth seed Qinwen Zheng. This opportunity marks a significant moment in Gauff’s young career.
Badosa had been on a solid run leading up to this match, even defeating second seed and US Open finalist Jessica Pegula in the round of 16. After starting the match strong, she capitalized on Gauff’s serve inconsistencies. Gauff struggled with her serve, committing 11 double faults, which allowed Badosa to take the first set and break in the opening game of the second.
Following her fourth-round exit at the US Open, Gauff recently began working with new coach Matt Daly. She ended her partnership with Brad Gilbert last month. In the second set, Gauff faced four break points but saved them all, preventing a 4-1 deficit. From that moment on, her confidence grew as Badosa dropped her first set of the week.
Gauff broke Paula Badosa’s serve three times in the final set to clinch the victory. She aims to add to her sole title from Auckland earlier this year. After the match, Gauff expressed her determination: “I tried to stay focused. It was tough, but mentally I just tried to reset.”
As Coco Gauff prepares for the final, fans eagerly anticipate what promises to be an exciting showdown.