On a sun-drenched Thursday afternoon at the Miami Open, Coco Gauff delivered a performance that left the tennis world buzzing. The third-seeded American phenom dismantled compatriot Sofia Kenin with a resounding 6-0, 6-0 victory, a rare “double bagel” that showcased her dominance on the hard courts of her home state. The match, which lasted a mere 47 minutes, wasn’t just a win—it was a statement from the former U.S. Open champion, who is still chasing her first Miami Open title.
Gauff’s mastery was evident from the first serve. She won an impressive 84% of her first-serve points, fended off the lone break point she faced, and capitalized on six of her nine break-point opportunities. The statistics paint a picture of precision and control, but Gauff herself offered a more nuanced take on the match. “I was definitely playing well today, and maybe she wasn’t playing her peak great tennis,” she remarked afterward, her tone reflective rather than boastful. She acknowledged the lopsided scoreline but refused to take full credit, adding, “I don’t think anyone who is playing their best tennis will have that scoreline today, so I’m not going to sit here and say she played her best tennis.” It was a gracious nod to Kenin, a fellow Grand Slam winner whose own journey has seen its share of highs and lows.
The match held an intriguing subplot for Gauff, who admitted to a fleeting moment of empathy during the rout. As the second set unfolded and the prospect of a double bagel loomed, she found herself wrestling with an unusual impulse. “I did not want to win 6-0, 6-0,” she confessed. “At 5-0 in the second set, I was hoping to lose a game—not the set, just a game—so it wouldn’t be that scoreline.” It’s a rare admission from a competitor known for her relentless drive, revealing a layer of sportsmanship beneath her fierce on-court persona. Yet, Kenin couldn’t find a foothold, and Gauff’s precision proved unrelenting, sealing the shutout despite her internal hesitation.
For Gauff, this victory marked a sharp rebound from a disappointing showing at Indian Wells, where she bowed out in the round of 16. The Miami Open represents not just a homecoming—she hails from nearby Delray Beach—but a chance to reset and build momentum. Her next challenge comes in the form of Ashlyn Krueger, an emerging talent who stunned seventh-seeded Elena Rybakina earlier in the tournament with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 upset. Krueger’s win, her first against a top-10 opponent, sets the stage for an intriguing clash with Gauff, whose experience and firepower will be tested by the young American’s newfound confidence.
The broader Miami Open narrative added texture to Gauff’s triumph. Elsewhere in the draw, former finalist Kei Nishikori withdrew from his opening match, still recovering from a taxing semifinal run at an ATP Challenger event the previous week. Meanwhile, six-time champion Novak Djokovic returned to the tournament after a six-year hiatus, bringing his own storyline to the Hard Rock Stadium courts. For Gauff, though, the focus remains singular: a maiden Miami title to cement her status among the elite.
At just 21, Gauff continues to navigate the highs and lows of professional tennis with poise. Her 2025 season has been a mixed bag—stellar moments like leading Team USA to United Cup glory juxtaposed against early exits in the Middle East swing. Yet, her performance against Kenin suggests she’s rediscovering her rhythm at the perfect time. “I’m trying to do better,” she said recently, reflecting on her growth as a top-ranked player. That mindset—humble yet hungry—could carry her far in Miami.
As the tournament unfolds, Gauff’s path promises more fireworks. A potential semifinal showdown with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka looms, while other American stars like Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys vie for supremacy. For now, though, Gauff can savor a near-perfect day in Florida, where her racket spoke louder than words, and even her fleeting wish to ease up couldn’t dim her brilliance.
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