Gauff Wins First WTA Singles Title

October 14, 2019 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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A month after she captivated the sports world with her run at the US Open, American teenager Coco Gauff has claimed her first WTA singles title.

The 15-year-old Delray Beach, Fla. native captured the Upper Austria Ladies Linz title, holding on to beat Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 on Sunday.

“I’m still overwhelmed and shocked,” said Gauff. “I guess it’s crazy to say it’s my first WTA title. This was definitely not on the calendar at the beginning of the year, because I didn’t think I’d have a chance to get in, and now I’m the champion, so it’s crazy.”

Crazy may be the best word to describe her run during the week. Gauff actually lost in the final round of qualifying, but received entry into the main draw as a lucky loser. She made the most of it, securing her first career Top 10 win, over Kiki Bertens, en route to the finals.

“I started off the third set really strong,” she said of the final. “It’s been an unbelievable week for me.”

The title catapults Gauff 39 spots up in the rankings, and she now holds a career-high ranking of 71st in the world.

 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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