The young American seals the first triumph in Guadalajara. Gauff went from less to more and ended up winning in two sets (7-6(1), 6-1) to be in the round of 16.
tournament bracket
tournament results
Coco Gauff debuted in Guadalajara in the second round thanks to the bye for being the fifth seed in the tournament. The American had just lost in San Diego against Swiatek, but this time she had a priori an easier debut against the Italian Cocciaretto, who had just added three victories in the tournament without giving up a set with good feelings. Both had met in Australia in 2018 and the victory went to the Italian but this time Gauff was the clear favorite to advance to the next round.
Gauff starts strong
Cocciaretto came out showing that he came with more rhythm in the tournament. He started leading with the score 2-0, but Gauff did not take long to react and after a good partial he took the reins with the 4-3. Despite this, the American was not comfortable because the Italian was playing aggressively and making few mistakes. After the 6-5 Gauff the rest had three set points, but the Italian saved all of them and ended up forcing the tie break. In sudden death, the American was braver and for a overwhelming 7-1 ended up taking a first set that lasted more than an hour.
Gauff came out determined for the win at the start of the second set. She quickly slipped away to 2-0. The American was more confident and she was also being better in the important moments. Thanks to another break she escaped until 5-1. Despite having it very complicated, Cocciaretto kept fighting and after two consecutive games saving match point against, he made it 3-5. To the rest Gauff had two more opportunities and the third time he closed the match to qualify for the round of 16 at the last WTA 1000 of the season.
