By Xenom 
Coco Gauff beats Maria Sakkari in Beijing quarterfinals with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 performance that stunned tennis fans at the 2023 China Open, extending her remarkable winning streak to 16 matches.
How Gauff Dominated Sakkari in Their China Open Showdown
I watched this match with my jaw on the floor.
The sheer control Gauff demonstrated throughout the 80-minute contest was something special.
At just 19 years old, the American showed why she’s become nearly unstoppable since her US Open triumph.
What struck me most was her serve.
Not a single break point faced.
Let that sink in.
Against a top 10 player like Sakkari, that’s not normal.
This October 6th clash at the Diamond Court in Beijing showcased tennis at its highest level, with Gauff playing what WTA experts called a “watertight match.”
The crowd witnessed a turning point in women’s tennis as the teenage phenom continued her post-US Open dominance.
The Numbers Behind Gauff’s Victory Over Sakkari
The stats tell the real story of how Coco Gauff beats Maria Sakkari in this Beijing quarterfinal matchup:
First serve dominance:
- Gauff won 83.9% of first serve points (26/31)
- Sakkari managed 70.3% on her first serve (26/37)
Second serve even more telling:
- Gauff secured 64.7% of second serve points (11/17)
- Sakkari struggled with just 40% on her second delivery (10/25)
Break point opportunities:
- Gauff created 10 break chances (converting 3)
- Sakkari couldn’t generate a single break point
Winners vs errors:
- Gauff: 16 winners, 15 unforced errors (positive ratio)
- Sakkari: 15 winners, 26 unforced errors (negative ratio)
The total points tally says it all: Gauff 63, Sakkari 47.
These numbers from the official WTA match statistics show just how completely Gauff controlled this quarterfinal battle.
Why Gauff’s Tactical Approach Neutralised Sakkari’s Power Game
I’ve studied this match thoroughly, and Gauff’s gameplan was perfect.
Her court coverage was exceptional.
Sakkari simply couldn’t hit through her.
The Greek player typically thrives on aggression and power, but Gauff’s defensive skills turned that strength into a weakness.
Every time Sakkari tried to increase her aggression, errors followed.
This forced Sakkari into a tactical corner.
The vulnerable second serve became a major liability for the Greek player, giving Gauff constant pressure opportunities.
Tennis analysts noted Gauff’s “brilliant movement” as a key factor in dismantling Sakkari’s typically effective power game.
The first set exposed this tactical mismatch clearly, with Sakkari producing 14 unforced errors against just 5 winners.
Gauff’s disciplined baseline play kept Sakkari constantly off balance, rarely allowing her to set up for her preferred aggressive shots.
The match showcased Gauff’s evolution from a defensive specialist to a complete player who can neutralize and counter attack against the tour’s biggest hitters.
The Recent History Between Gauff and Sakkari
Coming into this China Open quarterfinal, the head-to-head record favoured Sakkari at 4-2.
But context matters.
Gauff had won their most recent clash in Washington D.C. just two months earlier, also in straight sets (6-2, 6-3).
This Beijing win confirmed that Gauff has found the formula against Sakkari’s game.
What’s fascinating is how their rivalry has evolved.
Early matches went Sakkari’s way when Gauff was still developing her game.
As Gauff’s consistency and tactical maturity improved, the matchup balance completely changed.
Their head-to-head timeline tells an important story:
2020-2022: Sakkari won 4 of their first 5 meetings 2023: Gauff won both encounters convincingly
The Beijing quarterfinal continued Gauff’s emergence as the dominant force in this matchup, confirming the momentum shift that began in Washington.
The historical WTA head-to-head data shows this evolution clearly, with Gauff’s recent straight-sets victories suggesting a complete reversal of the early pattern.
What This Win Meant for Both Players
For Gauff, this victory was another statement in her remarkable late-2023 run.
It set up a blockbuster semifinal against world No. 2 Iga Swiatek.
Though Swiatek would end Gauff’s streak in that next match (6-2, 6-3), reaching the Beijing semis further cemented her place among the elite.
For Sakkari, the loss carried significant consequences.
It effectively ended her chances of qualifying directly for the WTA Finals in Cancun.
After recently breaking her four-year title drought with her biggest career trophy in Guadalajara, this setback was particularly painful.
The significance extended beyond just this tournament:
For women’s tennis as a whole, Gauff’s emergence as a consistent threat signaled a changing of the guard.
Her post-US Open form confirmed she wasn’t just a one-slam wonder but rather a player establishing herself at the very top of the game.
For Sakkari, even with the disappointment, her Guadalajara triumph combined with her deep run in Beijing still represented her strongest season to date.
The China Open quarterfinal loss became a pivotal moment in both players’ 2023 seasons, with Gauff’s victory acting as another confirmation of her breakthrough year.
How Gauff’s Game Evolved to Championship Level
The Gauff who beat Sakkari in Beijing showed remarkable growth from even six months earlier.
Her serve has become a weapon rather than just a shot to start the point.
Her movement, always a strength, now combines with improved shot selection.
The mental side might be the biggest change.
Gauff’s post-match comments revealed her newfound confidence:
“Some days you just feel like no matter what’s going to happen, you’re going to win… That’s how I felt when I stepped on court today.”
That’s the mindset of a champion.
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FAQs About Coco Gauff’s Win Over Maria Sakkari
What was Coco Gauff’s winning streak when she beat Maria Sakkari?
When Gauff defeated Sakkari in Beijing, she extended her winning streak to 16 matches, which was the longest active streak on the WTA Tour at that time.
Who did Gauff face after beating Sakkari?
After defeating Sakkari, Gauff faced World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, where her winning streak ended with a 6-2, 6-3 loss.
What were the key statistics in the Gauff vs Sakkari match?
The most telling statistics were Gauff facing zero break points throughout the entire match, winning 83.9% of first serve points, and 64.7% of second serve points.
How long did the match between Gauff and Sakkari last?
The quarterfinal match lasted 80 minutes, with Gauff winning in straight sets 6-2, 6-4.
What was the head-to-head record between Gauff and Sakkari before this match?
Prior to this Beijing quarterfinal, Sakkari led their head-to-head 4-2, though Gauff had won their most recent meeting in Washington D.C.
The Rise of Gauff on the WTA Tour in 2023
This China Open performance wasn’t a one-off.
It represented Gauff’s arrival as a consistent threat at the highest level.
Fresh off her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open, her confidence was at an all-time high.
What impresses me most about Gauff is her ability to problem-solve during matches.
Against Sakkari, she identified the vulnerable second serve and built her gameplan around attacking that weakness.
That’s tennis intelligence beyond her years.
Her path through the China Open showcased this tactical growth:
Against Ekaterina Alexandrova, she adjusted to the Russian’s flat power.
Facing Petra Martic, she handled the Croatian’s variety.
Versus Veronika Kudermetova (the 16th seed), she neutralized another power player.
Then came the Sakkari masterclass.
Each match required different tactical approaches, and Gauff adapted perfectly to each opponent.
The 19-year-old American transformed from a defensive prodigy with raw potential into a complete player with both the physical tools and mental framework to dominate at the highest level.
This remarkable evolution happened faster than even her most ardent supporters anticipated.
Looking Ahead: What This Match Told Us About Both Players
For Gauff, this performance confirmed her place among the very elite of women’s tennis.
The consistency, the tactical maturity, and the mental strength all point to a player who will challenge for majors for years to come.
For Sakkari, it highlighted areas that still need work despite her Guadalajara triumph.
The second serve vulnerability and tendency to produce errors under pressure remain issues to address.
The athleticism both players displayed was remarkable.
Sakkari, known for her fitness and power, couldn’t match Gauff’s speed and precision on this day.
Tennis experts often talk about “levels” in the sport.
This match showed Gauff operating at a level few players can reach.
The teenager’s ability to play aggressive tennis while maintaining consistency represents the modern game’s ideal.
For Sakkari, this match provided valuable feedback on what separates her from the very top tier.
When she faces Gauff again, expect adjustments to her second serve and shot selection.
These athlete’s careers will be intertwined for years to come, creating one of women’s tennis’s most compelling rivalries.
Watching this quarterfinal, I saw not just a match but a glimpse into the future of women’s tennis, where Coco Gauff beats Maria Sakkari in Beijing quarterfinals through superior execution and tactical awareness.