"It's special to come out here" says Gauff on winning debut in Indian Wells

It was a very interesting match between the pair that featured two very good sets and a final one where Garcia ultimately faltered. Gauff played an extremely aggressive match hitting a staggering 40 winners but also 40 unforced errors which forced her to play a decider. She was composed enough to win 6-1 and move. After it was done she explained her mindset like this:

"It's really special to come out here to a crowd so welcoming. Honestly, I just kept telling myself to keep going for my shots. Even in the second set, I had a lot of opportunities... and I just told myself to keep going for my shots and it ended up working out."

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It was a very tricky match for Gauff who had to fight some nerves that plagued her in the finish of the 2nd set. Some cheap errors gave Garcia the advantage sending the match into overtime. On that she said:

"Playing matches with nerves, it's not easy to put on a face. I know it seems like I'm calm sometimes, but I'm really freaking out. I try to not let you guys see, or most importantly, let my opponent see, and I think that got me through. I always say the crowd makes a difference in a match... and I'm happy this crowd loves me. It's my first time playing in front of you guys... and I like you back."

Her next opponent is another tricky one in Paula Badosa who will be really dangerous on the slower courts.

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First win in the desert ✅ 🇺🇸 @CocoGauff wins her debut match in Indian Wells. She defeats Garcia in three sets 6-3,6-7,6-1. 🔥 #BNPPO21

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