Coco Gauff has launched her China Open title defence in commanding fashion after an emotional month following her US Open disappointment. The world number three defeated Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-4, 6-0 in Beijing on Friday. This marked her first victory since losing to Naomi Osaka in New York four weeks ago.
The 21-year-old American saved eight break points in the opening set before dominating proceedings. Coco Gauff sealed her eleventh career main-draw victory in Beijing with characteristic resilience. She faces Canadian Leylah Fernandez next in what promises to be another compelling third-round encounter.
Emotional Victory After US Open Setback
Coco Gauff admitted feeling overwhelmed with emotions following her Beijing triumph. “Super happy to be back here. I have great memories here from last year. Hoping to make some more good memories here,” she revealed. The defending champion had struggled with serving issues throughout 2025 before hiring biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan.
Her US Open exit to Osaka in straight sets represented a crushing blow to home expectations. She committed numerous unforced errors whilst battling service problems that have plagued her season. The defeat ended her hopes of repeating her breakthrough 2023 US Open triumph on home soil.
The four-week gap between tournaments provided valuable recovery time for mental preparation. Coco Gauff used the period to work intensively on technical adjustments with her coaching team. Her Beijing performance suggested significant progress in addressing persistent serving difficulties.
Technical Improvements Show Promise
Coco Gauff demonstrated improved serving consistency throughout her Rakhimova victory. She sealed the match with an ace, suggesting her technical work is yielding positive results. The American saved multiple break points through improved first-serve percentages and better placement.
Her collaboration with biomechanics specialist MacMillan began shortly before the US Open. She has struggled with double faults throughout 2025, including ten against Ajla Tomljanovic in New York. The technical adjustments aim to provide greater serving reliability under pressure situations.
The coaching changes followed her decision to part ways with successful mentor Brad Gilbert. Coco Gauff initially worked with Matt Daly before adding MacMillan’s expertise. These personnel changes reflect her determination to address technical weaknesses whilst maintaining competitive excellence.
French Open Triumph Highlights Stellar Year
Coco Gauff captured her second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 2025, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. The victory represented her first French Open crown and demonstrated her continued development on clay courts. Her net worth has subsequently climbed to approximately £28 million through prize money and endorsements.
Forbes named Coco Gauff the highest-paid female athlete in 2025 with total earnings of £30 million. Her career prize money exceeds £19 million following consistent success across multiple seasons. The American has established herself among tennis’s most marketable stars through on-court achievements and social activism.
Her business acumen extends beyond tennis through Coco Gauff Enterprises, launched in April 2025. Coco Gauff also invested in Unrivaled, a new women’s basketball league. These ventures demonstrate strategic planning for post-tennis career opportunities whilst building her personal brand.
Fernandez Showdown Awaits
Coco Gauff faces familiar opponent Leylah Fernandez in their Beijing third-round encounter. The pair have contested multiple matches recently, with Gauff holding advantages from Australian Open and United Cup meetings. Their contrasting playing styles typically produce entertaining tennis spectacles.
Fernandez reached Beijing’s third round after defeating Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-0 in impressive fashion. The Canadian has shown improved form following her own coaching changes and fitness improvements. Their head-to-head record favours Gauff, though Fernandez remains dangerous in best-of-three formats.
Coco Gauff has won their recent encounters comprehensively, including a 6-4, 6-2 Australian Open victory. However, tournament conditions and momentum can dramatically alter match dynamics. The American must maintain concentration levels that wavered during her opening Beijing performance.
Championship Defence Strategy
Coco Gauff enters Beijing as the second seed behind Iga Swiatek, who withdrew from previous tournaments. The American benefits from a favourable draw pathway towards potential semi-final encounters. Her defending champion status provides confidence whilst creating additional pressure expectations.
The tournament represents Coco Gauff’s final opportunity for significant ranking points before season-ending championships. Her current world number three position requires consistent results to maintain top-five status. Beijing success would provide crucial momentum heading into autumn tournaments.
Her 2024 Beijing triumph represented a breakthrough WTA 1000 victory following consistent near-misses. Coco Gauff defeated Karolina Muchova in a thrilling final that showcased her mental fortitude. The experience provides valuable reference points for pressure situations during title defence.
Social Impact and Activism
Coco Gauff continues combining tennis success with meaningful social activism throughout 2025. She donated £80,000 to UNCF supporting student-athletes at historically black colleges. Her platform enables advocacy for educational opportunities and social justice causes.
Her influence extends beyond financial contributions through public speaking and social media engagement. Coco Gauff regularly addresses issues affecting young people and minority communities. These activities demonstrate maturity and social awareness beyond her tennis achievements.
The American’s activism began during her teenage years and has evolved alongside her professional success. Coco Gauff uses major tournament platforms to highlight important social issues. Her approach balances sporting focus with genuine commitment to positive social change.
Family Support System
Coco Gauff’s parents Corey and Candi continue providing unwavering support throughout her professional journey. Both former college athletes sacrificed career opportunities to guide their daughter’s tennis development. Their commitment remains fundamental to her continued success and personal stability.
Brothers Codey and Cameron regularly attend tournaments providing emotional support from player boxes. Coco Gauff frequently credits family unity as crucial for handling professional pressures. Their presence creates familiar environments during international travel schedules.
The family’s financial sacrifices during Gauff’s junior career have been rewarded through her professional success. Coco Gauff ensures her achievements benefit the entire family unit. This approach maintains strong family bonds despite significant fame and fortune pressures.
Beijing Tournament Outlook
Coco Gauff faces a challenging path towards successful title defence in Beijing’s competitive field. The absence of top seed Aryna Sabalenka creates opportunities for multiple contenders. Swiatek’s presence adds extra motivation for their potential semi-final encounter.
Weather conditions and court surfaces will influence tactical approaches throughout the tournament. Coco Gauff typically adapts well to different playing environments. Her recent technical improvements should provide additional confidence during pressure moments.
The tournament’s significance extends beyond ranking points towards season-ending championships qualification. Coco Gauff requires strong results to secure favourable seeding positions. Beijing success would significantly boost her prospects for year-end tournament participation.
Future Prospects and Goals
Coco Gauff remains focused on adding Grand Slam titles whilst developing her complete game. Her serving improvements represent crucial steps towards consistent excellence across all surfaces. The American possesses physical attributes and mental strength for sustained success.
Her business ventures demonstrate planning for long-term financial security beyond competitive tennis. Coco Gauff balances immediate sporting goals with strategic investment decisions. These approaches ensure continued prosperity regardless of career longevity.
The combination of athletic achievement and social impact positions Gauff as a generational sports figure. Coco Gauff continues inspiring young athletes whilst competing at tennis’s highest levels. Her influence extends far beyond individual tournament results towards lasting cultural impact.
FAQs:
Q: How did Coco Gauff perform in her Beijing Open first match?
A: Gauff defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6-4, 6-0, saving eight break points in the first set before cruising through the second set dominantly.
Q: When was Coco Gauff’s last victory before Beijing?
A: Her last win came in the third round of the US Open almost four weeks ago, before losing to Naomi Osaka in the fourth round.
Q: Who does Coco Gauff face next in Beijing?
A: She faces 25th seed Leylah Fernandez in the third round, continuing their recent rivalry from Australian Open and other tournaments.
Q: What is Coco Gauff’s current world ranking?
A: Gauff currently holds the world number three ranking and is the second seed at the Beijing Open behind Iga Swiatek.
Q: What technical changes has Coco Gauff made recently?
A: She hired biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan before the US Open to address persistent serving issues that plagued her 2025 season.
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