Coco Gauff’s exceptional run of form continues as she battled past Eva Lys to secure her place in a third consecutive semifinal at the China Open in Beijing. The reigning US Open champion showcased the skill and composure that has defined her season, dispatching her opponent in a clinical display of power and precision. The victory not only extends her impressive winning streak but also reinforces her status as one of the most formidable players on the tour.
A Commanding Performance
From the outset, Gauff asserted her dominance on the court. Her powerful serves kept Lys on the defensive, while her aggressive groundstrokes consistently found their mark. While Lys showed moments of resilience, Gauff’s ability to control the key points of the match proved decisive. Reaching the semifinal stage in Beijing for the third straight time is a clear indication of her consistency and comfort on the hard courts of the Chinese capital, a venue where she has consistently produced some of her best tennis.
The Naming of a ‘Wolf’
Following her victory, the on-court interview took a lighter turn, focusing on a quest Gauff had initiated with her fans in China. The interviewer asked, “Let’s talk about your nickname. You’ve been asking people in China to give you an animal related nickname. Have you decided?”
Gauff smiled and revealed the crowd’s choice. “Somebody told me I’m a wolf. The explanation I guess was how fierce I am on the court and how calm I am. So I guess it’s a wolf.” 🐺
When the interviewer followed up, asking, “So it’s gonna be Miss Wolf?”, Gauff’s response was a blend of acceptance and her characteristic humility. “I guess so. You can call me Coco… I don’t know,” she said, drawing warm applause from the spectators. The new moniker aptly captures the duality of her persona: a ferocious competitor between the lines and a thoughtful, calm individual off the court.
Riding a Wave of Momentum
This win is another significant step in a season that has seen the young American ascend to the highest echelons of the sport. Coming off a historic maiden Grand Slam victory at the US Open, Gauff has played with an unshakable self-belief. Her performance in Beijing demonstrates that there is no post-major slump, but rather a sustained drive for more titles. As she prepares for her semifinal clash, Gauff carries not only the momentum of a champion but also a brand-new nickname, perfectly suited for her hunt for another trophy.
WTA Beijing - Cori Gauff's projected path
Gauff in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently the world no.3, Gauff achieved an overall 41-13 match record in 2025. Gauff is now playing in Beijing where she conquered the world no.89 Kamilla Rakhimova 6-4 6-0, the world no.25 Leylah Annie Fernandez 6-4 4-6 7-5, the world no.16 Belinda Bencic 4-6 7-6(4) 6-2 and the world no.66 Eva Lys 6-3 6-4.
The American has won 2 titles in 2025 in Australia and French Open. Gauff was the finalist in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
The American won 11 titles in her career: 7 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)