Just over a month ago, Coco Gauff experienced a disheartening loss at Wimbledon that left her questioning her next steps. However, in a stunning turn of events, she quickly turned her fortunes around and emerged victorious in the very next tournament she entered. Gauff claimed the trophy at the DC Open women’s final by defeating Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-3, securing her fourth WTA Tour singles title. This triumph showcased Gauff’s resilience and determination as she composedly surged ahead at the end of each set.
Gauff’s success in Washington can be attributed partially to the recent additions to her team. She was accompanied by full-time coach Pere Riba, who will be by her side at least until the US Open commences on August 28th. Additionally, she sought guidance from temporary consultant Brad Gilbert. Gauff expressed her gratitude for her team during the trophy ceremony, acknowledging their support during her challenging moments at Wimbledon. This tournament marked the first time Gauff competed with her full team, and their collaboration immediately yielded positive results.
Dominant Performances and an Unblemished Record
Throughout the entire week of the hard-court tune-up event, Gauff showcased her dominance by not dropping a single set. This victory in Washington marked her second triumph of the season, having previously claimed a title in Auckland, New Zealand, in January. Gauff’s skills and determination have earned her the seventh spot in the rankings, and she entered the tournament in Washington as the third seed. Notably, she also clinched the doubles title in 2019 when she partnered with Caty McNally.
Challenges in a Heat-Intensified Final
The final match faced interruptions in each set due to a spectator requiring medical attention amidst the scorching heat. The temperature soared to approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius), combined with a humidity level of 55%. Nevertheless, Gauff maintained her composure and delivered an impressive performance. Throughout the match, she unleashed seven aces and expanded her tour finals record to an impressive 4-1.
Gauff’s victory in the DC Open solidified her status as an exceptional talent. At only 19 years old, she becomes the first teenager since April 2009 to secure four WTA titles. This achievement makes her the first teenager to attain such an extraordinary feat since Caroline Wozniacki, who collected seven trophies as a teenager. Gauff’s potential for future success is seemingly boundless, and her triumph in Washington serves as a testament to her exceptional capabilities.
Gracious Words from the Opponent
Despite her disappointment in the final outcome, Sakkari exhibited sportsmanship and acknowledged Gauff’s remarkable achievements. Sakkari, a 28-year-old player from Greece, praised Gauff during the trophy presentation, emphasizing that the young American still has ample time for future success, despite her already impressive track record. Currently ranked No. 9 and the fourth seed in the tournament, Sakkari aims to learn from her setback and continue her pursuit of victory in future competitions.
The men’s final was scheduled to take place later in the day, featuring No. 9 seed Dan Evans from Britain set to face No. 12 seed Tallon Griekspoor from the Netherlands. Griekspoor’s impressive performance leading up to the final included eliminating top-seeded Taylor Fritz in the semifinals. On the other hand, Evans secured his place in the final by defeating second-seeded Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals.
The DC Open marks the inaugural year of Washington’s combined ATP-WTA 500 event. Despite the equal billing, the prize money for the men’s and women’s champions remains unequal and is not expected to equalize until 2027. Gauff earned $120,150 for her victory, while the men’s champion was slated to receive a prize of $353,445.
Gauff received a notably warm welcome from the spectators during player introductions, both upon entering the stadium and during her warm-up. She wasted no time establishing her presence on the court, grabbing an impressive 3-0 lead within the first ten minutes. Her performance was further bolstered by three powerful aces, reaching speeds of up to 114 mph (184 kph). Gauff continued to excel, gaining two break points that could have extended her lead to 4-0. However, Sakkari fought back and saved both break points, eventually reaching deuce on her serve. During this crucial moment, an unforeseen delay occurred as a spectator in the stands needed medical attention, disrupting the flow of the game.
When play resumed, Sakkari emerged as the stronger player, capitalizing on Gauff’s momentary dip in performance. Sakkari held her serve, narrowing the score margin to 3-1, and further broke Gauff’s serve in the subsequent game, leveraging two double faults committed by Gauff. Suddenly, the match seemed more balanced and competitive. However, Gauff swiftly regained control of the game. She displayed exceptional defensive skills, extending points and forcing Sakkari to commit unforced errors. Additionally, Gauff demonstrated an increased aggression, rapidly seizing points with precise and powerful shots.
The opening set concluded with Gauff’s resounding forehand return off a 75 mph (120 kph) second serve, catching Sakkari off guard and forcing her into an unforced error. Shortly after, Sakkari managed to regroup and break Gauff’s serve at the beginning of the second set. Gauff’s frustration showed as she struck her equipment bag with her racket, but she quickly recomposed herself. Gauff successfully broke Sakkari’s serve to level the set at 3-all. Sakkari’s groundstroke errors continued to plague her, often leading to looks of frustration towards her coach, Tom Hill, in the stands.
Coco Gauff’s victory in the DC Open signifies a turning point in her career. With the unwavering support of her new full-time coach and temporary consultant, she showcased her resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Gauff’s dominating performances throughout the tournament, coupled with her unblemished record, solidify her position as a formidable young talent in the world of women’s tennis. Time will tell what additional accomplishments await this rising star.
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