TEARS OF JOY FOR GAUFF IN CHINA

American clinches second title of 2024; Sinner needs day off after comeback win

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SHANGHAI - Coco Gauff overpowered Karolina Muchova in straight sets to win the China Open on Oct 6 for her second title of the year and eighth overall.

The 20-year-old American and 2023 US Open champion stormed to a 6-1, 6-3 victory in 1hr 16min in Beijing.

After a disappointing few months by her standards, including surrendering her New York crown in the last 16, Gauff added the China Open to her triumph in Auckland in January.

The sixth-ranked Gauff, under a new coaching team in the Chinese capital after splitting with Brad Gilbert in September, wiped away tears at the end.

But she also had kind words for her opponent.

“I want to say congratulations to you, Karolina. It’s great to see you back on tour,” she said.

“You’re such an amazing player. Hopefully we play many more finals. I don’t wanna say I hope some go your way, but maybe against someone else they’ll go your way.

“It’s incredible to see how you’re able to manage your season after so many injuries. Hopefully you stay healthy for the rest of your career.”

It proved one match too far for Muchova, who at 49th in the world was the lowest-ranked finalist in the history of the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament.