World No. 3 Coco Gauff started her campaign at Indian Wells on the right foot with a strong victory over the rising Japanese player Moyuka Uchijima, winning 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(4) to advance to the third round.
The American didn’t have it easy against a tricky opponent despite the result. Uchijima had come into the match after easily eliminating Emma Raducanu (6-3, 6-2), but this time, she couldn't keep up with Gauff throughout the match.
First Set
The first strike came from Uchijima (No. 52), who took a break in the third game, putting her ahead early. However, the local favorite responded quickly, breaking back in Stadium 2 at Indian Wells with full support from the crowd.
Uchijima seemed unshaken despite losing the advantage, and managed to stay with Gauff throughout the set from her service. However, errors came toward the end. After holding a 40-0 lead, Uchijima lost five consecutive points, including a double fault, and Gauff capitalized on the momentum, winning the set 6-4.
Second Set
Things started well for Uchijima, who managed two consecutive breaks on both of the opportunities she had. In a matter of minutes, the Japanese player was 3-0 up, penetrating Gauff's forehand side and taking advantage of the American’s second serves.
Gauff fought to break back, but things seemed lost when Uchijima went up 5-2 and was poised to finish the set with her serve. However, she wasted a set point, and Gauff broke back, but it wasn’t enough. Gauff lost her serve for the fourth time in the set, and Uchijima took the set 6-3. It was a tough moment for Gauff, who was only winning 55% of her first serves and just 27% on her second.
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Third Set
In the moment of greatest pressure, Gauff played her best tennis, remaining flawless on the important points. The 2023 US Open champion took two breaks on two opportunities and saved five break points to go up 4-0 in under 20 minutes. Uchijima never lowered her energy and, despite the clear disadvantage, came back strongly, winning the next three games in a row, with Gauff conceding a break after a double fault. The Japanese player was back in the fight, trailing 3-4.
Gauff managed to hold her serve and later had a match point on Uchijima’s serve. With a couple of incredible shots from the Japanese player, she managed to extend the match to 5-4. Once again, Gauff let her opportunity slip, and Uchijima leveled with a break after a double fault from the American. Not just that time, but for the second consecutive occasion, the world No. 3 wasted the chance to close out the match on her serve, both times including double faults.
Everything came down to a tense tiebreak, where despite another double fault, Gauff showed her composure and greater experience to seal the victory 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(3). In the third round, she will face 2-time finalist Maria Sakkari (29th seed).
Match Statistics Gauff vs. Uchijima
| Gauff | VS | Uchijima |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 4 | Aces | 0 |
| 21 | Double Faults | 5 |
| 64% (77/121) | 1st Service Percentage | 56% (61/108) |
| 66% (51/77) | 1st Service Points Won | 56% (34/61) |
| 25% (11/44) | 2nd Service Points Won | 40% (20/50) |
| 58% (11/19) | Break Points Saved | 36% (4/11) |
| 50% (8/16) | Service Games | 53% (8/15) |
| Return | ||
| 44% (27/61) | 1st Return Points Won | 34% (26/77) |
| 60% (30/50) | 2nd Return Points Won | 75% (33/44) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 2h 30m | Match Duration | 2h 30m |
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.
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