By Alberto Amalfi | @Tennis_Now | Sunday, September 29, 2024

 

Second-seeded Jessica Pegula and fourth-seeded Coco Gauff each turned back tough opponents in Beijing today.

Photo credit: Emmanuel Wong/AFP/Getty

American stars stopped adversaries to advance in Beijing.

No. 4-seeded Coco Gauff turned back Katie Boulter 7-5, 6-2 to reach the round of 16 at the China Open.

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The 2023 US Open champion Gauff served 70 percent, won 32 of 39 first-serve points and faced only one break point in a one hour, 24-minute triumph.



Gauff, who defeated Boulter for the second time in three meetings, will face either former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka or compatriot Katie Volynets for a quarterfinal spot.



US Open finalist Jessica Pegula converted seven of nine break points rallying past Veronika Kudermetova 6-7(9), 6-1, 6-2.

It was Pegula's first win in three meetings vs. Kudermetova.




The second-seeded Pegula, who has made the final or better at four of her last six events, excluding the Paris Olympics, will play Paula Badosa for a quarterfinal spot.

No. 15 Badosa beat Rebecca Sramkova 7-5, 7-5.