World No. 6 Coco Gauff asserted her dominance over unseeded Czech Karolina Muchova, securing a 6-1, 6-3 victory in the China Open final on Sunday. This triumph marked Gauff as the first player in the Open Era to win each of her first seven WTA hardcourt finals. Gauff's impressive performance included 24 winners, adding the Beijing trophy to her Auckland Classic win earlier this year. This victory also marked her second WTA 1000 title, following her 2023 win in Cincinnati, where she also defeated Muchova in the final.
Gauff, now leading her head-to-head record against Muchova 3-0, has won eight out of her nine WTA finals. "I want to congratulate you, Karolina, it's wonderful to see you back on tour," Gauff said, acknowledging Muchova's return after a wrist injury sidelined her following the 2023 U.S. Open. "You're an incredible player, and you deserve every success, hopefully leading to many more finals."
This tournament marked Gauff's first with new coach Matt Daly, following her split with Brad Gilbert last month. "Thank you, Matt, this is our first tournament together, and it's going exceptionally well, so thank you for your support this week," Gauff expressed. Entering the final, Gauff had lost the first set in three consecutive matches. Determined to change this trend, she served to love in the opening game and broke early for a 2-0 lead.
The American maintained her momentum, securing two more holds to love, and broke again to lead 5-1. Despite a brief moment of doubt when she had to defend a break point, Gauff sealed the set with a powerful forehand winner. Gauff's serve faltered early in the second set, leading to two double faults and a 2-0 break for Muchova. However, Gauff responded with increased aggression, breaking back immediately. Muchova, who had previously defeated Australian Open and U.S. Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, seemed disheartened and won only two points in the next three games, allowing Gauff to take a 4-2 lead.
The pair exchanged holds before Gauff sealed the win by breaking serve as Muchova's backhand sailed long on match point. Earlier on Sunday, Paris Olympics gold medalists Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini won the women's doubles final, defeating Chan Hao-Ching and Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 6-4, earning their third WTA Tour title of the year.
