The second round of the BNP Paribas Open proved to be challenging for several top seeds. Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over Peyton Stearns in a hard-fought battle, winning 6-7(2) 6-2 7-6(6). Coco Gauff staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Clara Burel, overcoming a slow start to win 2-6 6-3 7-6(4). Maria Sakkari also faced a tough challenge but emerged victorious against Diana Shnaider, with a final score of 5-7 6-4 6-0. In another thrilling match, Anna Blinkova secured a win over Jessica Pegula, prevailing 6-2 3-6 6-3.
The third-seeded Gauff, who is playing her last tournament as a teenager, struggled to maintain momentum and quickly lost any leads she picked up. The crowd firmly on the American’s side carried her through the more difficult moments. The nineteen-year-old was happy to deliver for them, telling media, “they definitely were trying to root me on, especially in the tough moments. I’m glad I was able to come out through at the end.”
The top American knows she has some work ahead of her: “the last tournaments I have done well usually I have a tough opening first round, especially with the biggest one was US Open. I don’t want to have any regrets on the court. Am I proud of how I played? Not really, to be honest. But the fight, I am proud of. I am eager to…
