Coco Gauff weathered an early challenge from 16-year-old Chinese player Sun Xinran before taking control late to reach the China Open round of 16 in Beijing for a fourth consecutive season. The world No. 4 claimed a 7-5, 6-1 victory on Monday night, closing the match by winning nine of the final 10 games in one hour and 29 minutes.
Gauff finds a late surge in Beijing
Sun stayed with Gauff through a tight opening set, but the American’s experience showed as the contest moved into its closing stages. After edging the first set 7-5, Gauff raced through the second 6-1 to secure her place in the last 16 of the WTA event.
- Result: Coco Gauff def. Sun Xinran, 7-5, 6-1
- Match duration: 1 hour, 29 minutes
- Round: Third round, with Gauff advancing to the round of 16
- Ranking: Gauff entered the match ranked No. 4 in the world
- Beijing record: Fourth straight appearance in the China Open round of 16
The win also keeps Gauff moving in the race for a place at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells.
Strong record against younger opponents
The Beijing victory continued a notable pattern in Gauff’s WTA Tour career. She has now won 24 of 28 matches against players younger than her at tour level.
Her only defeat to a teenager over that stretch came in Montreal in 2025, when Victoria Mboko went on to win the title.
Respect for Sun’s composure and potential
Although Gauff eventually pulled clear, she offered warm praise for Sun after the match, highlighting the teenager’s maturity under pressure and her accomplished junior record.
“She is probably more mature than I was at 16,” Gauff said. “I think I was more easily frustrated than she was. She is an incredible player. I knew before the match that it would be difficult. Her junior career has been incredible, and she is clearly going to do very well at this level.”
Gauff also expects the Beijing meeting to be the beginning of a continuing rivalry.
“I think this will be the first of many matches on this court, and many matches between us,” she said. “I am looking forward to the matchups we will have in the future.”
