Highlights: Evans downs Dimitrov to reach Citi Open final in Washington
Coco Gauff clinched the biggest title of her career as she beat Maria Sakkari to claim the Citi Open in Washington DC.
World No. 9 Sakkari had won four of the previous five meetings against world No. 7 Gauff, including both this year.
But Gauff capped off an impressive week on home soil by coming from a break down in the second set to win 6-2 6-3.
It is Gauff’s second title of the season after victory in Auckland to start the year and her first WTA 500 trophy following three previous wins at WTA 250 level.
The 19-year-old dropped just 19 games across her four matches at the tournament, where she was working with Brad Gilbert, who has previously coached Andy Murray, Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi, and new coach Pere Riba.
“It’s our first tournament as a full team,” Gauff said in her on-court interview.
“I’m glad that we were able to make this result. I know those who were with me at Wimbledon [where Gauff lost in the first round] it was really tough a couple of weeks ago. We were all feeling it. I’m glad I was able to bounce back.”
The early signs from Gauff’s new coaching appointments look positive.
Gauff had not dropped a set all week and came out firing against Sakkari as she opened up a 3-0 lead.
Sakkari avoided falling further behind as she held from 15-40 down to get on the board.
The world No. 9 then broke to get back on serve, but Gauff’s aggression saw her take control as a big cross-court forehand winner helped her move 5-2 ahead.
A third break of serve saw Gauff clinch the set.
Sakkari started better in the second set and moved 2-0 ahead.
But a love hold from Gauff was followed by a break as her power again proved too much for Sakkari.
Sakkari managed to get back in front straight away, but then lost a 30-0 lead in the next game to allow Gauff back to 3-3.
Gauff then pulled clear and sealed victory with a drilled backhand winner into the corner.
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