Coco Gauff Faces Unexpected Defeat in Doha
In a stunning turn of events at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, No. 4 seed Coco Gauff was upset by lucky loser Elisabetta Cocciaretto in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2. This marks Cocciaretto’s third career victory against a Top 10 opponent and her first outside of a Grand Slam tournament.
Cocciaretto’s Breakthrough Performance
The Italian player, who entered the tournament as a lucky loser after McCartney Kessler’s withdrawal, delivered a masterful performance, overcoming a previous losing record against Gauff. Prior to this match, Gauff had won all three of their professional encounters, without dropping a set. However, Cocciaretto drew upon a junior victory against the American – a 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 win at the Australian Open in 2018 – to fuel her confidence.
A Season of Success for Cocciaretto
This victory continues a remarkable start to the season for Cocciaretto. She recently captured her second WTA Tour title as a qualifier in Hobart in January. Her journey to the Qatar TotalEnergies Open main draw was also through the qualifying rounds, highlighting her resilience and determination.
Looking Ahead
Cocciaretto will now face Ann Li in the Round of 16, with a coveted spot in the WTA 1000 quarterfinal on the line for both players. This match promises to be another exciting contest as both athletes vie for a place among the elite.
Key Takeaways from the Upset
- Elisabetta Cocciaretto secures her third Top 10 win.
- This is Cocciaretto’s first Top 10 win outside of a Grand Slam.
- Coco Gauff suffers an unexpected defeat in Doha.
- Cocciaretto’s stellar season continues with a breakthrough performance.
The result underscores the unpredictable nature of professional tennis and the potential for rising stars like Cocciaretto to challenge established players like Coco Gauff. For more information on the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, visit the official WTA website.
