(EURO SPORT)
US Open champion Coco Gauff needed three sets to defeat Elina Svitolina as the American won the Auckland Classic on Sunday, as they prepare for the upcoming Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year. Aryna Sabalenka, 2023’s champion, took on last year’s beaten finalist, Elena Rybakina, on Sunday in the Brisbane International with the Kazakh player winner easily.
Coco Gauff beat Elina Svitolina to win the Auckland Classic, while Elena Rybakina downed Aryna Sabalenka at the Brisbane International final.
The 19-year-old Gauff retained her 2023 title as she put the finishing touches to her preparations for the Australian Open.
Gauff, who beat Emma Navarro in her semi-final, carried on her good form from last year, when she won the US Open in New York, and will hope to add a second career Grand Slam in Australia.
Gauff had to come back from losing the first set, but rallied to win 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 against her experienced opponent.
“This is my first time ever having to defend a title, so I’m really happy I was able to do it today,” said Gauff after he win, the seventh WTA singles trophy of her career.