Coco Gauff continued her strong performance at the Miami Open, overcoming Maria Sakkari in straight sets to secure a spot in the Round of 16. Despite finally conceding a game in the tournament after a dominant first match, Gauff maintained control against a determined Sakkari.
Gauff, seeded No. 3, defeated Sakkari 6-2, 6-4 in their tenth career match. This victory follows Gauff`s recent win over Sakkari at Indian Wells, further solidifying her momentum. The head-to-head record between the players is now even at 5-5.
Reflecting on her previous 6-0, 6-0 victory, Gauff mentioned she consciously put it aside, anticipating a tougher challenge. “I knew it wasn’t going to go as smoothly,” Gauff told reporters, emphasizing the uniqueness of such dominant wins and the need to focus on each new match.
Similarly, Gauff approached this match as a fresh contest, despite her recent victory over Sakkari. “I think it was just one of those things that you would like to play the exact same way so you can replicate the same result,” Gauff explained, acknowledging that opponents adapt their strategies after a loss. She noted Sakkari`s improved play compared to their Indian Wells encounter.
“I do think she played better today. I also think I played better than Indian Wells, so I think that was the difference.” Gauff stated, highlighting mutual improvement in their play.
At 21, Gauff achieves a significant milestone as the youngest player to reach back-to-back Round of 16 appearances at the Miami Open since 2012-2013. This also marks her best result at this tournament, matching her performance in 2022 and 2024.
For Sakkari, this loss adds to a series of recent setbacks. Once a Top 10 player, her current ranking is No. 51. Despite a win in her previous match, she was seeking her first consecutive wins since last year`s Olympics and her first on hard courts since the previous Miami Open.
Sakkari`s struggle against top players continues, with 12 losses in her last 13 matches against Top 10 opponents.
Gauff is set to face Magda Linette in the Round of 16 on Monday. Linette advanced by defeating Linda Fruhvirtova.
