Coco Gauff smashes Tatjana Maria in Auckland opening round

Coco Gauff had to battle Maria and the rain but the American remained calm in Auckland beating her opponent 6-4 6-1 to earn her fisrt win 2023.

Gauff finished the year on a bad note failing to win a single match at the WTA Finals but 2023 is a year she's excited for. Many picked her as the player that will break out in a major way winning a grand slam and she made a good start in Auckland. Playing an experienced veteran in Maria, Gauff was able to wear her out with her constant pressure.

It was a typical Gauff match, a very up-and-down affair. She opened brutally by taking a 4-0 lead but the dropped her servce twice in a row to make it 4-4. Eventually, she took the opening set 6-4. The second set was far less complicated as she took an early lead and kept adding to it. After returning to finish off the match following the rain delay, Gauff did the same thing ending it at 6-1.

A good win for Gauff but still plagued with the inconsistencies. She'll need to improve that if she hopes to win the match.