Beijing
Gauff denies Muchova a third major upset win
Coco Gauff won her second title of the season on Sunday in Beijing as she denied Czech spoiler Karolina Muchova the chance for a third straight upset win here.
The American claimed the China Open crown 6-1, 6-3 as she ended Muchova’s giant-killing act in China.
The four-time Grand Slam semi-finalist had locked off world No. 2 and US Open holder Aryna Sabalenka and China’s Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen.
Gauff prevailed to add Beijing to her January trophy in Auckland, claiming victory with 24 winners while Muchova had the same in unforced errors.
The American will move back to fifth in the world heading into Monday’s start of the Wuhan Open. Gauff stands 8-1 in career finals.
“I lost to her three times in a row,” Muchova said. “I lost them all the same way.
“It was always the latest rounds of the tournaments when I got many matches under the belt. It’s very physical with her. I felt like the second one always in the rallies.”
Muchova will regain the top 30 as she returns to form after injury.