Gauff Crushes Masarova For Auckland Title

Coco Gauff won her third title Sunday in Auckland dominating Rebeka Masarova 6-1, 6-1. During a rain-filled week of tennis, the top seeded Gauff emerged as the trophy podium after never dropping a set all week and never even facing 5-all.

Gauff collects her first title since May 2021 in Parma.

“Honestly, a great week for me despite the rain,” Gauff said. “Couldn’t ask for a better start to my season. First title on hard since I was 15. I’m happy to be successful on a surface that I love.”

Along the way, though, Gauff didn’t face a Top 55 player.

The 23-year-old Masarova, a former French Open junior champion, was appearing in her first WTA final, She had to qualify into the event.

“My first WTA final, I’m really disappointed with today’s match,” Masarova said. “I couldn’t really play my game. Coco was playing amazing. The few chances I had she played really unbelievable.”

Sloane Stephens, Leylah Fernandez and Bernarda Pera were the other Top 4 seeds at the 250 level event.