Coco Gauff advances to China Open final with stunning comeback against Paula Badosa

Coco Gauff secured her spot in the 2024 China Open final after a thrilling three-set comeback victory over Paula Badosa in the semi-finals of the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.

The world No. 6 battled from behind to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, overcoming a strong start from Badosa to reach her first final since the Auckland Open in January.

Badosa appeared on course for the final after leading 6-4, 4-2 in the second set. However, Gauff responded with four consecutive games, turning the match around and forcing a decisive third set. In the final set, the 21-year-old American broke Badosa three times, delivering a dominant performance to close out the match.

Reflecting on her win, Gauff acknowledged the challenge posed by her Spanish opponent, noting her high level of play. “I feel like I was playing the right way the whole time, other than maybe a lot of double faults,” Gauff said. “But other than that, I was playing the right way. Just missing sometimes. She was playing a very high level.”

Coco Gauff credited her mental focus for helping her claw her way back into the match. “I was just trying to get on the scoreboard and keep trying to get points. They turned into games. I was trying to stay in the moment.”

This run to the final marks a significant achievement for Gauff, as it comes in her first tournament since adding Matt Daly to her coaching team following her split from Brad Gilbert after the US Open. Her victory over Badosa has also boosted her WTA Ranking points, increasing her total by 260 to 5,243 points, leaving her just 50 points behind world No. 5 Jasmine Paolini and 238 points shy of fourth-ranked Elena Rybakina.

If Gauff claims the title, she would earn an additional 350 points, which would propel her into the world No. 4 spot. Achieving a top-four ranking would provide a strategic advantage in major tournaments, as top seeds avoid meeting until at least the semi-finals.

Gauff, who is seeking her eighth WTA singles title and second at WTA 1000 level, will face world No. 49 Karolina Muchova in the championship match on Sunday. The Beijing final will be her ninth career final, and a victory would mark a major milestone in her impressive season.