Coco Gauff made history by winning her first nine hard court finals, beating Jessica Pegula in straight sets at the Wuhan Open. The 21-year-old world number three emerged victorious with a score of 6-4 7-5, securing her 11th career singles title. Gauff expressed her gratitude to her team during her victory speech, highlighting the success of her recent Asian swing of tournaments. She jokingly called out her coach, Jean-Christophe Faurel, who initially had doubts about her participation due to a challenging US Open. Gauff’s stubborn nature proved Faurel wrong as she delivered a remarkable performance on the court.

Digging deep into the second set, Gauff found herself trailing 3-0 before mounting a comeback to narrow the gap to 5-3. With sheer determination, she claimed four consecutive games to clinch the title. Despite Pegula’s resilience, Gauff remained relentless in her pursuit of victory, ultimately breaking her opponent’s serve at a critical moment. Referring to Pegula as the “three-set queen,” Gauff expressed her determination to avoid a final-set decider, recognizing the advantage that Pegula possessed in such situations. The mutual respect between the two American players was evident as Pegula commended Gauff on their first final encounter, emphasizing the enjoyment they derived from the intense match.

In a thrilling final at the Wuhan Open, Coco Gauff solidified her dominance on the hard court by securing her ninth consecutive title. The young tennis sensation’s remarkable feat of winning her first nine hard court finals reflects her unwavering determination and skill on the court. Despite facing initial doubts from her coach, Gauff’s resilience and stubborn nature propelled her to success, proving her capabilities on the international stage. The intense showdown between Gauff and Pegula showcased the competitive spirit and sportsmanship between the two American players, leaving a lasting impression on fans and fellow competitors alike.