By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Sunday, August 6, 2023
Coco Gauff completed a stellar week by winning her biggest career title in Washington, D.C.
Coco Gauff left Wimbledon a few weeks ago trying to figure out her next steps after a disappointing first round loss. Now, in Washington D.C., the 19-year-old Gauff found herself dancing with joy as she earned her biggest career title to date.
Gauff defeated Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-3 to win the WTA 500 Mubadala Citi DC Open title for her fourth career singles title and first in the United States.
The No. 3 seed Gauff showed poise and perfection throughout the match that was played under hot and steamy conditions in the Nation’s Capital. Showing a newfound confidence, especially in her forehand and serve, Gauff was quick to credit her new team that has helped not drop a set all week.
That includes full-time coach Pere Riba and new temporary consultant Brad Gilbert. She acknowledge both during the post match trophy ceremony.
“It's our first tournament as a full team. I'm glad that we were able to make this result. Thank you for sticking with me," Gauff said during the trophy ceremony. "I know those who were with me at Wimbledon, it was really tough. I'm glad I was able to bounce back."
Gauff jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead thanks to solid serving and impressive forehands. As she sought yet another service break, play was briefly paused as a fan in the stands needed medical attention due to the stifling heat.
When play resumed, Sakkari managed to hold for 1-3. The pause in play seemed to throw off Gauff’s play as in the next game she threw in a double fault down break point to keep Sakkari back on serve for 2-3.
Gauff pressed on, finding success with her forehand to stay in the lead 4-2.
Eventually, Gauff would secure another service break with a potent forehand return to claim the set 6-2.
Sakkari found some momentum early in the second set when she broke Gauff. That helped her to take a quick 2-0 lead.
Gauff eventually found her form again to get back level with Sakkari for 2-all. While Sakkari tried to target the Gauff forehand to produce errors, she found no relief there as her opponent proved too resilient on that side. Later, Gauff fired down an ace to hold for 4-3.
In the next game, Sakkari soon fell behind 15-40 in her next service game. Gauff would win yet another forehand to forehand exchange to secure the pivotal break for 5-3.
From there, Gauff would go on to close out the biggest win of her career 6-2, 6-3, to the delight of the local crowd.