US tennis player Coco Gauff made a good start to the 2023 season by winning her third WTA title in Auckland on Sunday. Gauff gained a high momentum ahead of the Australian Open by defeating Spanish qualifier Victoria Masarova 6–1, 6–1 in the final of the ASB Classic tournament. She had earlier defeated former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and seventh seed Danka Kovinic in the tournament.
Gauff won her third WTA Tour title but her first title in years on hard courts, boosting her confidence ahead of the Australian Open. A week of moderate rain in Auckland was marred by another long break in which matches were either delayed or forced indoors. Gauff, 18, met the challenge of the weather better as she is used to the rain interruptions brought about by the tropical climate of her native Florida. She did not drop a set all week, although she faced tough matches against former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and seventh seed Danka Kovinic.
“It’s been a good week for me despite the rain. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my season. It’s my first title on hard court since I was 15, so finally on that surface It’s good to do well which is what I love.
She was powerful from the baseline and accurate when making passing shots. Gough came to the net often and decisively. Whenever she did so she played with purpose and ruthlessly nixed Masarova’s attempted passes. Even when both players were at the net in the fourth game of the second set, Gauff kept her composure and challenged her opponent to take the point.
No. 130 Masarova had an outstanding week to reach her first WTA Tour final. But she was playing her eighth game in a row and the effort must have paid off. He tried everything on Sunday but Gauff had an answer. “I’m glad I was able to reach my first WTA final but I was disappointed with today’s match. I felt I really couldn’t play my game but Coco was playing amazing and she really didn’t give me a chance. I had very tough matches. I think it helped me stay physically fit throughout the week but it was a long week with stops and starts. I think I warmed up about 25 times,” Masarova said after the match.