Gauff digs deep to defeat Svitolina and retain the Auckland title

Coco Gauff won the Auckland Classic final on Sunday, defeating Elina Svitolina 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3, and will head to the Australian Open full of confidence as she seeks a second Grand Slam title.

Gauff, who debuted at Wimbledon five years ago, had a breakout year in 2023, winning her first major title at the US Open in September to reach a career-high world ranking of third.

The Auckland top seed continued to build momentum in the new season by winning the tune-up for the Jan. 14-28 Australian Open, losing only one set after a grueling final against Svitolina, who had previously reached the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park.

"This is my first time ever having to defend a title, so I'm really happy I was able to do it today," said Gauff, who won her seventh WTA singles title.

"This year's tournament was a lot different," she said, thanking the enthusiastic audience.

"Last year it rained almost every single match and we were playing indoors with just a few people watching so it's really cool to play in front of a packed crowd almost every match."

Both players dropped serve twice in the first set before Gauff's level dropped slightly when she squandered two set points at 5-3, allowing Svitolina to claw her way back and take the early lead after winning the tie-break.

But Gauff came back strongly to win the next set and tie the match at one set apiece, and she held her nerve after grabbing the crucial break in the eighth game of the decider to seal the victory.

"It's been a really great experience to play for the first time here," said Svitolina, who returned to the tour in April after giving birth to her daughter with fellow tennis player Gael Monfils.

"I want to congratulate Coco and her team for a great start to the year. Good luck at the Australian Open."

"I've been enjoying myself here playing great matches. Tough loss today, of course," added Svitolina, who steadily found her best form last year, reaching the French Open quarter-finals and Wimbledon semi-finals.

SportsLigue