Boulter Falls to Gauff in China Open Showdown

Katie Boulter’s journey in the China Open came to an end on Sunday after a straight-set defeat to American sensation Coco Gauff. The British number one was outplayed 7-5, 6-2, as Gauff showcased her trademark power and consistency to advance to the fourth round in Beijing.

The match began with Gauff, 20, establishing early dominance, breaking Boulter to move ahead 5-2 in the opening set. However, Boulter, 28, responded with a spirited fightback, winning three consecutive games to level the score. The momentum seemed to be shifting until Gauff held serve to regain control. Despite saving two set points, Boulter ultimately double-faulted and followed with a wide forehand, conceding the first set after 50 minutes of intense exchanges.

The second set saw Gauff break Boulter’s serve early and quickly extend her lead to 4-1, leaving the British world number 34 struggling to keep pace. Though Boulter managed to save one match point, Gauff was relentless, breaking her serve once more to seal the victory in just 35 minutes.

Gauff, who won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open in September, continues her excellent run of form. She now looks ahead to a potential clash with Japan’s Naomi Osaka or her fellow American Katie Volynets for a place in the quarter-finals. Gauff, who began her season triumphantly by defending her Auckland Classic title in January, aims to cap her year with another deep tournament run.

For Boulter, the defeat marks the end of an impressive campaign in China, with her resilience on display despite the challenge presented by the in-form Gauff. Ranked 34th in the world, Boulter will seek to build on her recent progress as the tennis season approaches its final stretch.

As Gauff powers on, all eyes are on the young American star as she strives for her second tournament final of the year—hoping to maintain the momentum that has made 2023 a breakthrough season for the newly-crowned US Open champion.