Gauff Battles Through to Keep China Open Title Defence Alive

Defending champion Coco Gauff survived a tough test from Leylah Fernandez on Sunday, prevailing 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 to maintain her hopes of back-to-back China Open titles.

“I did what I needed to do to win today,” the 21-year-old American remarked.
“It was very physical. We were going back and forth.”

Gauff dominated the first set, but the resilient Fernandez fought back in the second, forcing a decisive third set. The Canadian, ranked 25th, even saved a match point to level at 5-5, but Gauff ultimately clinched the 2-hour 45-minute marathon when Fernandez hit the net.

Gauff will next face either Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic or Australian qualifier Priscilla Hon for a place in the quarter-finals.

In the men’s draw, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti publicly apologised after his Sunday match for an earlier outburst at coughing fans.

“Well first of all, I want to say… a public apology,” the 23-year-old said in English after defeating France’s Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals.

Musetti’s earlier behaviour, including complaints about fans making loud coughing noises, drew boos from the crowd.

“I totally understand your point and I… regret what I’ve said and what I’ve done, so sorry, thanks for understanding,” he added.

However, the on-court interviewer did not translate his apology into Chinese, instead focusing on Musetti’s match remarks.

Germany’s Eva Lys caused a major shock, defeating world number 10 and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 6-3, 1-6, 6-4.

“I was trying to get a top 10 win the whole year,” said the 23-year-old Lys, ranked 66th.
“This is my first one. I’m very happy I finally got it done.”

Poland’s Iga Swiatek is the top seed at the WTA 1000 event following world number one Aryna Sabalenka’s withdrawal.

In the men’s ATP 500 event, played alongside the women’s tournament, Italy’s Jannik Sinner holds the top seed position.

Match Highlights Table:

This China Open weekend has showcased tense battles, shocking upsets, and heartfelt apologies, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as the tournament progresses.