Gauff returns to a final to end nine-month dry spell

Coco Gauff is back into a WTA final for the first time in nine months after posting a struggling 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 comeback in Beijing over Paula Badosa on Saturday at the China Open.

The American who fell flat during the hardcourt summer as she failed to come close to defending the 2023 Cincinnati and US Open titles, will play for her first trophy in 11 months when she takes on Karolina Muchova.

The talented Czech, a US Open semi-finalist, cemented her status as a title threat by beating  Australian open runner-up Zheng Qinwen 6-3 6-4 after dispatching world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals this week in Beijing.

Gauff’s last final came in January at Auckland where she won a pre-Australian Open title 

In China, Spain’s Badosa led a set and 4-2 before Gauff  began her successful fightback.

“I’m really happy with how I was able to come back today,” said Gauff. “Paula’s a tough opponent and every time we play it’s a tough match.

“I knew mentally I had to be there at every point and, regardless of the result, I’m proud of how I was able to fight,” the winner said.

“It feels great to finish it with a final.”

Gauff’s win was her 20th of the season at the 1000 level; the 2023 semi-finalist here is the youngest to reach consecutive Beijing semis since Maria Sharapova in 2004 and 2005. 

Main photo:- Karolina Muchova and Coco Gauff – by WTATennis.com