In a marathon match lasting three sets, American Coco Gauff triumphed over her Ukrainian rival Elina Svitolina with scores of 6-7, 6-3, and 6-3 in the final to retain the Auckland Classic tennis title today, boosting her confidence ahead of the upcoming Australian Open later this month as she seeks to win her second major title in her career.
Gauff, 19, who gained fame at Wimbledon five years ago, delivered an outstanding performance in 2023, winning her first major title at the US Open last September, which propelled her to a career-high world ranking of third. The top seed at the Auckland tournament maintained her brilliance and superiority in the new season, defending her Auckland title ahead of the Australian Open starting January 14 at Melbourne Park.
Throughout the Auckland tournament, Gauff lost only one set, which occurred during the final match that served as a significant test against Svitolina, who has previously reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open twice. Both players lost their serves twice in the first set before Gauff’s level dipped slightly, allowing Svitolina to take the set.
However, Gauff rebounded strongly, winning the second set to level the match, then broke her opponent's serve in the eighth game of the decisive third set to secure the title for the second consecutive year.
After winning her seventh singles title, Gauff remarked, “This is the first time I’ve defended a title, so I’m really happy to have achieved that today. This year’s tournament was very different.”
Gauff also thanked the enthusiastic crowd, saying, “Last year it rained almost every day, and we played behind closed doors with a small number of fans, so playing in front of packed stands at almost every match was really enjoyable.”
Svitolina, who returned to competition in April after having her baby with her partner, French tennis player Gael Monfils, said, “Playing here for the first time was a big experience for me. I want to congratulate Coco and her team on this strong start to the year. I wish you good luck at the Australian Open.”
Svitolina, who reached the quarter-finals of the French Open and the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year, added, “I enjoyed playing here and had great matches. Losing today was tough, of course.”
