Gauff proves too strong for Bucsa in straight sets victory

Coco Gauff had no problems in eliminating Cristina Bucsa at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells.

Coco Gauff successfully began her journey in California. The 18-year-old hadn't played since the semifinal in Dubai (a two-set loss against Swiatek), but had shown good form at the start of the year. In fact, she was the champion of the ASB Classic, her first tournament of 2023.

This is Cristina Bucsa's first appearance at Indian Wells, and the first time in her career that she has reached the second round of a WTA 1000. The 25-year-old player will reach the best ranking of her career (79 in the live ranking), and quietly she is already the second-best Spanish player in the WTA, behind only Paula Badosa (world No. 30 in live).

The Spanish player came into the match against Coco with good feelings, as she had won her two matches in the qualifying rounds and the first round against British player Katie Swan. However, the American was a tougher challenge that she couldn't counter.

In 76 minutes of play, the world No. 6 imposed her superiority to win 6-2, 6-4. Bucsa started well in the first few games to be tied at 2-2, but from there it was all Gauff, who won 7 games in a row to take the first set and gain an advantage in the second. Gauff's pace was unstoppable for the Spanish player, who had 27 unforced errors in the match. The young American star will face the winner of the match between Linda Noskova and Amanda Anisimova in the next round.