Coco Gauff is back on top.
Gauff defeated Karolina Muchova in straight sets, 6-1 6-3 in Beijing to capture the China Open title, becoming the first American woman to win the tournament since Serena Williams back in 2013.
Gauff improves to 7-0 in hardcourt finalsGetty
A decade long drought for the Americans, Gauff was finally able to snap the streak in dominant fashion.
This is Gauff’s second career WTA 1000 title, and eighth career title overall.
She is also the first person to win each of their first even WTA hard-court finals in the Open Era.
And it is her first title since winning Auckland all the way back in January.
After stumbling out of the Cincinnati Open and US Open, Gauff and her coach at the time, Brad Gilbert, had decided it was best to part ways.
She hired new coach Matt Daly, and is already seeing an immediate pay off.
However, not all credit goes to Daly, as Gauff pointed out right after she may have had a bit of luck, especially after seeing Carlos Alcaraz win on the men’s side earlier in the week.
“Carlos and I both went to the Forbidden City earlier this week,” Gauff said.
“Someone in press asked me if it was gonna bring luck. I was like I don’t know I don’t want to jinx it. Then Carlos won. At that time it was only Round of 16 for me. But I guess the Imperial Palace brought us luck.”
She can thank Daly and the Imperial Palace for helping her bring home the China Open.
Gauff is currently ranked sixth in the world, with her ranking only going up after the win in BeijingGetty
As always, the classy and respectful 20-year-old sensation, had nothing but kind words to her opponent, Muchova, after the match.
““I want to say congratulations to you Karolina,” Gauff said. “It’s great to see you back on tour.”
“You’re such an amazing player. You deserve everything. 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 this year and for the rest of your career.”
Gauff wanted to find a coach who worked well with her current coach, Jean-Christophe Faurel, and knew Daly was the one who could help get her back to her winning ways,
“We’re working on a lot of developmental things. He’s great,” Gauff said. “Obviously I still have JC on the team. For me, it was trying to find a mix of two people that work together well. So far, I mean, it’s obviously working result-wise.
“Just even behind the scenes and everything you guys don’t see, I think it’s great. I’m happy with my decision regardless if I lost [in the] first round or in a final this week.
“So yeah, I’m happy to have him on the team. I feel like he’s already making significant progress. He and JC are working well.”
Gauff made history by becoming the first player to win each of their first seven WTA hard-court finals in the Open Era.
In other words, Gauff is well on her way in chasing down her idol, mentor and friend, in Williams.