Coco Gauff Sets New Milestone as Youngest WTA China Open Finalist Since 2010
Coco Gauff reaches the WTA China Open 2024 finals at 20, becoming the youngest finalist since 2010. She faces Karolina Muchova in a thrilling battle for the title.
Coco Gauff has made it to the WTA China Open 2024 finals after defeating Paula Badosa in the semi-finals. Gauff became the youngest player after the victory to reach the finals since Caroline Wozniacki did in 2010. Gauff achieved this feat just at the age of 20 years and 6 months, while Wozniacki was 20 years and 3 months when she won the tournament in Beijing back then 2010.
Coco Gauff will now face Karolina Muchova from the Czech Republic in the final. This will be their first match this season, though they met twice in 2023. Gauff won both encounters with the last one being at the US Open semi-finals and the Cincinnati final. Muchova has yet to win a set against Coco Gauff and will aim to change that this time.
If Coco Gauff wins, she will become the first American since Serena Williams to capture the China Open title. Williams last won the trophy in 2013, having previously secured it in 2004. Gauff could be the second American to ever win in Beijing.
Muchova’s Path to the Finals
Karolina Muchova has also achieved significant milestones in her run to the finals. Ranked world No. 49, she is the lowest-ranked finalist in the tournament’s history. Muchova defeated two top 10 players on her way to the finals—Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals and Qinwen Zhang in the semi-finals. If she wins against Coco Gauff, she will be the first player to defeat three top 10 players in a single edition of the China Open.
Coco Gauff Aiming for First Title Since January
While Coco Gauff is selected to win, she has struggled with her form in recent months. However, her performance at the China Open 2024 has been strong and she’ll need to maintain that flow against Muchova. Gauff’s speed and endurance will test Muchova’s willpower on the court. Both players are ready to make a strong comeback and claim the title at the Diamond Court in Beijing.
This final will be Coco Gauff’s second of the year, her first being in Auckland in January, where she won the title. Muchova, on the other hand, has made steady progress after missing the first half of the season due to wrist surgery. Both players have shown great determination throughout the tournament and are expected to deliver an exciting final.