Coco Gauff’s autograph signing spree for her fans in China took a bizarre turn after one of them asked the former World No. 2 to sign on a laptop. The moment came courtside at the China National Tennis Center in Beijing, the venue for this year’s edition of the China Open, where Gauff is set to start her campaign on Thursday, September 26.
Gauff is heading into the WTA 1000 event on the back of a rather dismal showing during the North American summer hardcourt swing. The 2023 US Open champion suffered shock second-round losses at the National Bank Open in Toronto and the Cincinnati Open. At this year’s US Open, she produced an erratic display against compatriot Emma Navarro before crashing out in the pair’s fourth-round contest.The World No. 6, who is already in Beijing to prepare for the China Open, was recently captured by cameras as she spent time with fans after a practice session. As Coco Gauff was gladly signing autographs for them, one particular fan reached out to her with a laptop. Taken by surprise, the American said:
“You sure? Okay.”
Watch the moment below:
Gauff is the fourth seed at the China Open, which means that she will start her campaign directly in the second round after receiving a first-round bye.
Coco Gauff to start China Open 2024 campaign against either Clara Burel or Caroline Dolehide
The opening match for Coco Gauff at the 2024 China Open should be a rather straightforward affair. Gauff will face either Frenchwoman Clara Burel or compatriot Caroline Dolehide in the second round. Burel and Dolehide’s first-round match is set to be played out on Tuesday, September 24. Gauff has 1-0 and 3-0 win-loss records against Burel and Dolehide respectively.
However, worryingly for the former World No. 2, Emma Navarro, who got the better of Gauff at both Wimbledon and the US Open this year, is in her half of the draw. Gauff’s half of the China Open draw also features 2024 US Open finalist Jessica Pegula, former World No. 2 Paula Badosa, and 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.Also interesting to see would be how Coco Gauff performs after parting ways with iconic coach Brad Gilbert. While the addition of Gilbert, Andre Agassi’s ex-coach, added fresh impetus to the American last year, this season, their collaboration seemed to have stagnated. Gauff has particularly struggled with her serve and her forehand this year.
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