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Coco Gauff, the world no. 3, started her bid at the 2023 China Open with a straight-sets win over Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round on Monday. The teenager posted a 7-5, 6-3 win over Alexandrova after 82 minutes of play.
This is the first time the American’s playing on the tour since her title run at Flushing Meadows, a month ago. Gauff was held back in the winners she hit as compared to Alexandrova – 11 to the latter’s 19.
However, she controlled her shots better leading to fewer unforced errors as that of her opponent, 11 to her 24. Gauff converted four of eight break points on Alexandrova’s serve while saving three of five break points she faced.
After the match, Gauff shared, “…Overall I’m happy with how I was able to push through. Is it how I like to play? Probably not. But I knew coming in was going to be tough, just coming from across the world. This is the first time here.
I knew it was going to be a tough match for me regardless. Especially Alexandrova, she’s a great player. I’m happy with how I was able to manage”.
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