Coco Gauff began her 2024 campaign and her Auckland Tennis Classic title defence on Tuesday, defeating American Claire Liu 6-4, 6-2, despite occasionally showing signs of fatigue.
Although Gauff had a strong forehand, it took her some time to find her range, resulting in occasional overhitting during the opening set. She jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, dropped service, served for the first set at 5-2, and then lost serve once more to love before gathering herself to defeat Liu’s determined play.
Gauff expressed her thoughts after the win and said: “I needed to be tested and I feel like I played well today for my first match in a while. There’s things I can do to improve but I’m happy with the win.”
She added: “I had a great new year and I’m happy to start this season with a win. Auckland was like my first title in over a year. It kind of set the momentum for the year for me. I’m happy to be back here.”
Gauff in Auckland, ranking, and results in 2024
Ranked no.
3 (career-high), Coco owns a composed 1-0 record in 2024. Gauff is playing in Auckland where she toppled the world no.95 Claire Liu 6-4 6-2.Coco Gauff will face the world no.117 Brenda Fruhvirtova in the 2nd round. In the past, they have never played each other so far on the main tour.
The American won 6 titles in her career: 4 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts and 1 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Coco Gauff |
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