“Hopefully I can follow in Alcaraz’s footsteps” – Gauff ‘excited’ for China Open final
The American defeated Paula Badosa with a comeback effort in the China Open semi-finals on Saturday
(Antoine Couvercelle / Panoramic)
American Coco Gauff has set her sights on the prized China Open women’s singles title after ATP No 2 Carlos Alcaraz‘s heroics in the men’s competition in Beijing. Interestingly, it was a Spaniard in the form of Paula Badosa whom Gauff downed in the semi-finals on Saturday to make the title clash.
The American’s effort was nothing short of extraordinary as she recovered from a set and 2-4 deficit in the Saturday match-up against Badosa to complete a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 win.
Gauff fought against the seed No 15 for two hours, 21 minutes, registering six aces and as many break-point conversions to enter her ninth Tour-level final.
“It was a tough match. Paula has been playing some great tennis,” the 20-year-old said in the post-match press conference. “Yeah, it was very physical. I was happy with how I was able to turn it around.”
In the final, Gauff will face Czech Karolina Muchova, who bettered home favorite Zheng Qinwen (6-3, 6-4) in her semi-final effort. Fortunately for the American, she is up 2-0 against Muchova in the head-to-head.
Also, during her presser ahead of the final, she was reminded of Carlos Alcaraz’s exploits in the men’s final against Italian Jannik Sinner a few days ago. Alcaraz too came from behind against Sinner to win the title match 6-7 (6), 6-4, 7-6 (3).
Following his triumph, Alcaraz, holding a replica of the ‘Cup of China’, graced a traditional chair shaped by Long Shuncheng, a historic furniture brand with its roots dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1862).
Gauff hoped to replicate Alcaraz’s efforts:
“I saw him sitting in the chair. I didn’t know what it had meant. That’s cool. It would be great. It would be great to be there and sit on it and hold the trophy. It will be my first 1000 title of the year. Yeah, but I think for me, you just can’t look too far ahead.”
On the sidelines of on-court business in Beijing, Gauff and Alcaraz paid a visit to the Forbidden City, learning about the history while taking in the sights.
“We both made the final. We both went to the Forbidden City together. Somebody asked me in the beginning of the week if that would give us luck. So far it’s working. Hopefully I can follow in Carlos’ footsteps.”
Everybody thinks the final, you’re so close. But you’re not. You’re so far away.
Coco Gauff
Notably, Gauff is 7-1 in her previous eight finals on the WTA Tour. Referring to the same on Saturday, she said:
“I’m happy to be in the final. I wasn’t expecting it. Has this week been like my best tennis? In moments, yeah. I think today I reached some levels where I was playing my best tennis. I guess it’s cool. Regardless of what happens today, I’ll still have a winning record in finals. Hopefully I can add one more. If not, it’s okay.”
The world No 6 then voiced some words of appreciation for Muchova, the other finalist in Beijing.
“Karolina, I played her twice, both on hard court. She’s a tough opponent. I think she’s one of the best players on tour. She just had some unlucky breaks with injuries. But it’s good to see her back healthy. That’s going to be a tough matchup. She’s dangerous. Yeah, I think it would be tough. It makes me excited to play the best of the best.”
Muchova, the world No 49, underwent a wrist surgery earlier this year but has returned to the court all guns blazing. She reached the US Open semi-finals and most recently knocked top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka out of the Beijing contention.
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