Coco GAUFF overcomes resistance from Elisabetta COCCIARETTO to progress in Dubai Duty Free Championships
WTA
Coco Gauff
(No. 3) faced the challenge and dispatched Elisabetta Cocciaretto (No. 58) with
a score of 6-1, 7-5 in the second round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis
Championships. The American was superior to her opponent for much of the match
but gave opportunities in the second set that complicated the encounter.
World No. 3
returned to victory after the disappointing exit in the debut of the Qatar Open
and faces an important defense of points for the semifinals of Dubai 2023 this
week. Her next opponent will be the former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova.
In the
first set, Gauff performed better on the return than on the serve, with just a
45% first serve percentage, winning 77% of them and 44% with her service.
However, the young American managed to win 70% of the return points, making it
impossible for the Italian to play comfortably with her service.
The first
break came in favor of Gauff in the second game, although Cocciaretto quickly
recovered it in the next game. With a 2-1 advantage for Gauff, there was a
streak of seven consecutive games in her favor, including four breaks, allowing
her to take the first set 6-1 and start the second with a quick 3-0 lead.
The match
seemed practically sealed with a two-break advantage for Gauff, noting that her
opponent had only held her service once during the match. Cocciaretto pressured
Gauff's second serve and took a break that gave her a breather in the set.
The Italian
won her next service game, and then a series of breaks from both sides came,
preventing the score from tilting. Gauff was serving at 5-4 but couldn't close
the set at that moment. After securing another break in her favor, the American
was 6-5, and this time she did capitalize on the advantage, winning her service
for the first time after four consecutive breaks against her.
The match
ended 6-1, 7-5 in favor of the 19-year-old, who suffered 5 breaks in 9 service
games, numbers she will need to improve when facing one of the best servers in
recent years, former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova (No. 36), in the Dubai round
of 16.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
