The US Open champion Coco Gauff defeated Brenda Fruhvirtova 6-3, 6-0, in Auckland to win her seventh straight match and build momentum for her 2024 campaign.
After the game, Gauff declared on the court, “I thought I played well. “She started off playing really well, and I was able to raise my level. I thought I served well, and did better on the returns.”
Gauff defeated the Czech qualifier in 70 minutes on Stadium Court to begin her 2024 debut with an ASB Classic title, which she won to start her breakthrough campaign in 2023.
The younger of the renowned Fruhvirtova sisters is Brenda; the elder sister, Linda, made it to the second round of the Australian Open in 2023 with great success. Fruhvirtova, who is only 16 years old, is quickly getting closer to making her Top 100 debut after winning a main draw match over Anna Blinkova and cruising through Auckland qualifying without dropping a set.
“I’ve known her since she was about 10 years old,” said Gauff. “We used to be in France training at the same academy with Patrick Mouratoglou. With me, her, and her sister, we grew up training beside each other, so it’s great to see her on tour, and I’m sure she’s going to go even further than here.”
As the round of 16 competition went on, Gauff proved to be an entirely different challenge, finding herself increasingly outmatched. After an early exchange of breaks, the 19-year-old top seed breezed through the opening set, converting two of three break point opportunities and striking an even 14 winners to 14 unforced errors.
The world No. 3 player, who shot to prominence in the rankings following an incredible summer swing that included a first-ever major victory in Flushing Meadows, had even more momentum going into the second set. With every game she has played under the guidance of renowned coach Brad Gilbert, Gauff has appeared stronger and more assured.
“I mean, I always think I can do better,” the American said in jest. “I would say that, for the most part, I won and it was a good match, so I’m happy. But I feel like I can raise my level a lot more. That’s kind of what it’s like at the beginning of the year, to work through playing back-to-back matches every day.”
“Hopefully, by the time the end of the week comes, I can say that I’m satisfied.”
Gauff easily defeated Claire Liu in the first round, reserving her most commanding performance for the final match against Fruhvirtova. She won 5-0 before her fellow adolescent could get a glimpse of the scoreboard. In less than an hour, Gauff crossed the finish line and advanced to the quarterfinals by saving a break point while serving for the match.
All told, Gauff hit 21 winners against 20 unforced errors, converted five of six break point opportunities, and saved five of six on her own serve to secure a match against either Swiss qualifier Lulu Sun or No. 8 seed Varvara Gracheva in the round of eight.
