“I just wanted to overcome that feeling” – Gauff responds in Miami
Coco Gauff rallied from a set down to defeat Elisabetta Cocciaretto 3–6, 6–4, 6–3 at the Miami Open 2026, avoiding a second straight loss to the Italian.
The No. 4 seed made a slow start, with Cocciaretto taking control early after her recent win over Gauff in Doha. The Italian’s early ball striking put Gauff under pressure in the opening set.
Gauff gradually adjusted to the tempo and began to find more consistency in the rallies. Despite ongoing issues with her serve, including multiple double faults, she improved her first-serve percentage and became more effective in longer exchanges.
“The last time we played, I didn’t win, so I just wanted to overcome that feeling.”
The decisive moment came in the third set. After falling a break behind, Gauff won four consecutive games to regain control before closing out the match in just over two hours.
“Once I got adjusted to the tempo of play, I was able to control the rallies.”
The win marks a positive response following her injury-affected exit at Indian Wells and keeps her run alive in Miami.
Gauff will next face Alycia Parks in the third round.
