Defending champion Coco Gauff advanced past the opening round at the China Open by defeating Russian opponent Kamilla Rakhimova with scores of 6-4 and 6-0. The American player, ranked third globally and seeded second in the tournament, required one hour and forty-two minutes to secure victory on Friday. Gauff struggled during the initial set but dominated the second frame after establishing her playing rhythm.
The twenty-one-year-old athlete competed for the first time since her recent US Open appearance. Gauff will next face Canadian player Leylah Fernandez, who eliminated Greek competitor Maria Sakkari with identical 6-2, 6-0 scores. Additional tournament action saw American Sofia Kenin overcome Russian Polina Kudermetova 6-4, 6-2, while Czech player Marie Bouzkova defeated Polish opponent Magda Linette 7-5, 7-5.
The twenty-one-year-old athlete competed for the first time since her recent US Open appearance. Gauff will next face Canadian player Leylah Fernandez, who eliminated Greek competitor Maria Sakkari with identical 6-2, 6-0 scores. Additional tournament action saw American Sofia Kenin overcome Russian Polina Kudermetova 6-4, 6-2, while Czech player Marie Bouzkova defeated Polish opponent Magda Linette 7-5, 7-5.
