AUCKLAND: Coco Gauff, who is aiming for a second Grand Slam victory, will be full of confidence going into the Australian Open after fighting her way past Elina Svitolina 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 in the Auckland Classic final on Sunday.Gauff, who initially gained notoriety at Wimbledon five years prior, had an amazing year in 2023. The 19-year-old American achieved a career-high world ranking of number three after winning her first major championship at the US Open in September.Following a rigorous test by double Melbourne Park quarterfinalist Svitolina in the final, the top seed from Auckland maintained her momentum in the new season by winning the tune-up for the Australian Open, which runs from January 14–28. She lost just one set.It’s the first time I’ve ever had to provide defense.”Last year it rained almost every single match and we were playing indoors with just a few people watching so it’s really cool to play in front of a packed crowd almost every match.”In the first set, both players gave up the first set twice. Gauff’s concentration then faltered a little bit as she wasted two set points at 5-3, allowing the powerful Svitolina to rally and grab an early lead in the tie-break.
Also read: No Pakistani in ICC’s nominations for Men’s ODI Cricketer of 2023However, Gauff rallied to win the next set easily and tie the match at one set apiece. She then maintained her composure to win the eighth game of the decider by taking the vital break.”Playing for has been an incredibly wonderful experience.”I’d want to thank Coco and her group for a fantastic start to the year. I wish you well in the Australian Open.I’ve been having a terrific time playing matches here. Tough loss today, of course,” continued Svitolina, who last year made incredible runs to the Wimbledon semifinals and the French Open quarterfinals before gradually regaining her best form.
