Gauff Secures Thrilling Three-Set Victory Over Fernandez to Continue Beijing Title Defense

Coco Gauff Survives Intense Battle Against Leylah Fernandez at China Open

Coco Gauff’s Resilient Victory in Beijing

Coco Gauff, the second seed at the China Open, maintained her title defense by emerging victorious in a grueling match against Leylah Fernandez. Despite leading by a set and a break, and later finding herself at 5-2 with a match point in the deciding set, Gauff needed 2 hours and 45 minutes to secure a 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 win in the third round.

Fernandez, who had not previously won a set against Gauff in their professional encounters, delivered an impressive performance on Diamond Court. The Canadian showcased her ability to sustain high-quality, aggressive play against Gauff, matching the defending champion’s defensive prowess.

Thrilling Third Set in China Open Clash

The third set featured a tense series of service breaks, with both players exchanging intense rallies. Gauff managed to regain control, but Fernandez fought back valiantly, prompting several thrilling comebacks. Ultimately, Gauff’s composure in the final two games secured her place in the fourth round.

Gauff will face Belinda Bencic next, who advanced by overcoming a set deficit to defeat Priscilla Hon with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Gauff holds a slight advantage in their head-to-head record, leading 3-2.

Key Moments and Match Dynamics

The match unfolded in a compelling manner, reminiscent of their previous encounters. Gauff initially took a 6-4, 1-0 lead with a break in the second set, capitalizing on her defensive capabilities to secure a crucial lead. However, Fernandez utilized Gauff’s dip in first serve percentage, which dropped from 75% to 53%, allowing her to level the match at 5-5 in the second set.

• Fernandez saved three break points to hold and level the match.
• Gauff’s tactical adjustments, including a bold serve-and-volley play, proved decisive.
• A significant forehand return helped Gauff break Fernandez’s service for the final time.

Gauff Reflects on Challenging Conditions

Reflecting on the match, Gauff acknowledged Fernandez’s aggressive style and the impact of the conditioning on her gameplay. “She definitely played great tennis,” Gauff remarked. She noted the necessity of being more aggressive, particularly during break points, where deeper shots could have opened up the court.

Gauff highlighted the conditions as challenging, particularly as the balls aged. She observed a pattern where newer balls gave her an edge, allowing her to win multiple games consecutively. Despite the difficulties, Gauff expressed satisfaction with her performance and adaptability during the intense match.