Gauff was competing in her first tournament since the 2020 Australian Open, where she shocked defending champion Naomi Osaka in the third round. This was Gauff's first career meeting against Sabalenka, who had triumphed in Doha earlier this year.

Gauff raced to a 5-2 lead in the first set before her Belarusian opponent broke back and took the set to a tiebreak. The American claimed that 7-6(4) but was unable to build off the momentum as Sabalenka took the second set 6-4. The final set saw multiple breaks of serve, but Gauff was able to finish strong, winning the match 7-6(4) 4-6 6-4 in two hours and 48 minutes.

The 16-year old next faces Tunisian Ons Jabeur for a spot in the semifinals, as Jabeur overcame Olga Govortsova 3-6 6-2 6-4 in her round of 16 match.

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