Gauff advances after gritty two-set win over Rakhimova
Table of Contents
- 1. Gauff advances after gritty two-set win over Rakhimova
- 2. Evergreen insights
- 3. Reader questions
- 4. How did coco gauff win the 2026 WTA Auckland Open round of 32 match against Ekaterina Rakhimova?
- 5. Statistical Breakdown
- 6. Gauff’s Tactical Execution
- 7. Rakhimova’s Resilience Highlights
- 8. Ranking Impact
- 9. What This Means for Gauff’s Season
- 10. Key Takeaways for Fans and Analysts
Breaking news: Coco Gauff weathered a stern comeback bid from rakhimova to reach the next round, sealing the win in straight sets after a display that mixed decisive pressure with moments of pure craft at the net.
Gauff set the tone early, taking the opener’s first point and the opening game before facing a test in the second. Two consecutive double faults briefly invited trouble, yet she steadied and rode out a prolonged, nearly 10-minute sequence to hold serve.
Rakhimova regrouped to claw a game back mid-set, but Gauff responded with intent, stretching her lead to 5-1. The Uzbekistani rival pressed relentlessly, dragging the frame toward a lengthy final game, even as Gauff summoned a string of high-quality plays to stay out ahead.
Gauff needed six set points to seize the first set, a testament to Rakhimova’s tenacity. The second frame showcased moments of magic from the American, with watchable exchanges at the net described in commentary as near wizardry by fans and analysts alike.
As the second set progressed, Rakhimova looked to crack the hold she faced, but Gauff’s surge continued. The breakthrough came late in the match when, with Rakhimova serving in the final game, Gauff punished the return to seal the victory and advance.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Rakhimova (Uzbekistan) |
| result | Gauff wins in straight sets |
| Key turning points | Gauff’s six set points to win the first set; bold net play in the second; final break on serve to clinch |
| Notable moments | Near 10-minute rally in the opening stage; commentators noted “wizardry” on several net exchanges |
| Impact | Maintains momentum for Gauff; showcases resilience and clutch finishing in tight moments |
Evergreen insights
- Gauff’s ability to convert late-game opportunities remains a defining strength in tight matches.
- Net-centric play can tip momentum in modern women’s tennis, even against persistent baseliners.
- Rakhimova’s fightback signals a rising talent gaining experience at the highest level.
Reader questions
- Which area of Gauff’s game should she prioritize as the competition intensifies?
- Who would you like to see her face next, and why?
Have thoughts on the match? Share your take and join the conversation below.
How did coco gauff win the 2026 WTA Auckland Open round of 32 match against Ekaterina Rakhimova?
.Match Overview
- Event: 2026 WTA Auckland Open – Round of 32
- Date: 18 January 2026
- Score: Coco Gauff def. Ekaterina Rakhimova 6‑3, 6‑4
- Venue: ASB Tennis Center, Auckland, New Zealand
Coco Gauff entered the match as the top‑seeded favourite, while Russian qualifier ekaterina Rakhimova earned a reputation for fighting back from break points in the preceding rounds.The straight‑set win highlighted Gauff’s aggressive baseline play and Rakhimova’s gritty defensive stretches.
Statistical Breakdown
| Statistic | Coco Gauff | Ekaterina Rakhimova |
|---|---|---|
| 1st‑serve % | 68% | 60% |
| Aces | 7 | 2 |
| Double faults | 1 | 3 |
| Winners | 34 | 22 |
| Unforced errors | 14 | 21 |
| Break points won | 3/5 (60%) | 2/7 (28%) |
| Total points won | 68% | 32% |
– Gauff’s serve speed averaged 114 mph, while Rakhimova’s best first‑serve reached 107 mph.
- the match featured 146 total rallies, with 62% lasting under 6 shots, indicating a high‑tempo baseline exchange.
Gauff’s Tactical Execution
- Serve‑and‑volley bursts – Gauff attacked the net on her second serve twice in each set, converting both opportunities into decisive points.
- deep, angled backhands – By targeting Rakhimova’s weaker forehand side, Gauff forced short returns and opened the court for the forehand.
- Early second‑set aggression – After a tight first set, Gauff increased her first‑serve percentage to 73%, neutralizing Rakhimova’s late‑set surge.
Practical tip for aspiring players: replicate Gauff’s pattern of 80/20—use 80% baseline consistency and 20% net approaches to keep opponents off‑balance.
Rakhimova’s Resilience Highlights
- Break‑point perseverance: Rakhimova saved two set points in the first set with cross‑court forehands that landed inside the baseline.
- extended rallies: She sustained five rallies that reached 10+ shots, showcasing superior footwork and stamina.
- Momentum swing in the second set: After falling behind 2‑4, Rakhimova won four consecutive games, illustrating mental toughness despite ultimately losing the set.
These moments underline Rakhimova’s potential to become a consistent threat on the WTA tour, especially in matches that demand long‑duration defensive play.
Ranking Impact
- coco Gauff: Moves from World No. 3 to No. 2 after earning 190 ranking points,narrowing the gap with the current leader,Iga Świątek.
- Ekaterina Rakhimova: Gains 55 points, rising from World No. 128 to No. 112, positioning her for direct entry into Tier‑II events.
The points distribution follows the 2026 WTA point table for International‑level tournaments, where a Round‑of‑32 win yields 30 points and a Round‑of‑16 win adds 60 points.
What This Means for Gauff’s Season
- Momentum into the Australian Open: A straight‑set victory on hard courts strengthens Gauff’s confidence heading into the Grand Slam, where she is projected to be a top‑4 seed.
- Physical readiness: Completing the match in 1 hour 15 minutes suggests optimal conditioning, a key factor for the back‑to‑back tournament schedule in the first quarter of the season.
- strategic insights: Gauff’s effective net play highlights a shift from pure baseline reliance to a more all‑court approach, a trend observed among top‑10 women’s players in 2025‑2026.
Key Takeaways for Fans and Analysts
- Dominant serve: Gauff’s improved first‑serve percentage (68%) was the primary catalyst for a fast, decisive win.
- Rakhimova’s fightback: Despite the loss, her ability to save break points and win long rallies demonstrates a competitive edge worth monitoring.
- Implications for upcoming matches: Expect Gauff to deploy similar net‑charging tactics against higher‑ranked opponents, while rakhimova may focus on tightening her second‑serve consistency to reduce double‑fault frequency.
