Gauff Edges Past Former US Open Finalist
Defending champion Coco Gauff was pushed to the limit on Sunday before grinding out a hard-fought 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 victory over Leylah Fernandez at the China Open.
The French Open winner looked in control after taking the opening set but lost rhythm in the second, allowing Fernandez back into the contest. In a tense third set, Gauff initially faltered while serving for the match, but held her nerve to break the Canadian in the 12th game and secure her spot in the WTA 1000 fourth round.
Next up, the 20-year-old American will face either Belinda Bencic or Priscilla Hon as she continues her title defense in Beijing.
Rybakina Shocked, Krejcikova Retires
Elsewhere, the tournament witnessed a major upset when Germany’s Eva Lys stunned No. 10 seed Elena Rybakina 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 in a gripping third-round battle.
Meanwhile, injury woes struck again for Barbora Krejcikova, who was forced to retire while trailing McCartney Kessler 1-6, 7-5, 3-0. Spain’s Paula Badosa also withdrew earlier in the day, adding to the growing list of retirements in the Beijing draw.
ATP Action: Musetti Cruises, Zverev Awaits Night Clash
On the men’s side of the joint event, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti enjoyed a routine 6-3, 6-3 win over French veteran Adrian Mannarino, bouncing back just a day after making headlines for issuing an apology to Chinese fans.
Rising American Learner Tien also advanced, defeating Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 6-2 to set up a quarterfinal clash with Musetti. Later on Sunday, world No. 3 Alexander Zverev was scheduled to face France’s Corentin Moutet under the lights in Beijing.