Gauff untroubled in first round of ASB Classic, drops just six games

Coco Gauff won against Claire Liu 6-4, 6-2 on Tuesday night. She’ll face qualifier Brenda Fruhvirtova next

(Chryslene Caillaud / Panoramic)

Bren Gray

January 2, 2024

ASB Classic •Third round • completed

See draw

C. GauffvsC. Liu

Top seed Coco Gauff advanced to the last 16 of the ASB Classic by winning against Claire Liu 6-4, 6-2 on Tuesday night.

Gauff comes to Auckland as the defending champion, winning the tournament without dropping a set in 2023. She has continued her title defence the way she left off last year, breaking Liu five times en route to victory.

Gauff d. Claire Liu 6-4 6-2

When Coco won this tournament last year, it felt like something big was coming.

She went onto win her 1st WTA 500 title.

Then it was a WTA 1000 title.

Then it was a Grand Slam.

✅1st win of 2024

When she’s confident, Coco is limitless.

🇺🇸❤️ pic.twitter.com/uJITnbjABt
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 2, 2024

“I had a great new year and I’m happy to start this season with a win,” said the 19-year-old after her first victory of the year. “Auckland was like my first title in over a year. It kind of set the momentum for the year for me. I’m happy to be back here.”

Key for Gauff was the second serve return, where she won 13/16 points when Liu made a second serve.

Gauff, ranked No 3, will face qualifier Brenda Fruhvirtova next.