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Coco Gauff is turning heads at the Indian Wells Masters, not just with her stellar performance but also with her candid reflections on past struggles. After a rocky start to 2025, marked by early exits in WTA tournaments, the American prodigy is finally finding her rhythm. Her latest victory—a commanding 7-6 (1), 6-2 win over Maria Sakkari—was more than just a step forward; it was a moment of redemption.
Gauff, who fell to Sakkari in last year’s semifinal, opened up about the significance of this win, calling it “a little revenge.” But what exactly did she mean?
Gauff’s sweet revenge against Sakkari
Coco Gauff’s journey at the 2025 Indian Wells Masters has been a rollercoaster, but her latest performance against Maria Sakkari was a masterclass in resilience. The 20-year-old, seeded third, avenged her 2024 semifinal loss to Sakkari with a hard-fought 7-6 (1), 6-2 victory, showcasing her growth and mental fortitude.
“Resilience, I guess,” Gauff quipped when asked about her key takeaway from the match. “Overall, it was much better than the previous match. Just trying to keep getting better as the rounds go on. I lost to Maria last year in the semifinal, so it felt good to get a little revenge today, even though I love her.”
The match wasn’t without its challenges. Gauff, who struggled with 21 double faults in her opening-round win, still faced serve issues against Sakkari, tallying nine double faults. However, she saved her best for the crucial moments, particularly in the first-set tiebreaker, which she dominated 7-1. During the tiebreak, Coco Gauff landed every first serve and committed zero unforced errors—a testament to her composure under pressure.
The final game of the second set was a microcosm of Gauff’s fighting spirit. Despite six double faults in that game alone, she clinched the match with a stunning forehand winner, proving her ability to rise above adversity.
For Gauff, this victory was more than just advancing to the Round of 16. It was a symbolic triumph over past disappointments. Last year, Sakkari ended her Indian Wells run in the semifinals, a loss that lingered in Gauff’s memory. This time, she flipped the script, delivering a performance that underscored her evolution as a player.
Next up, Gauff faces Belinda Bencic. With her confidence soaring and her serve steadily improving, the American star is poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
For fans, Coco Gauff’s journey is a reminder of the power of perseverance. From battling serve woes to exacting sweet revenge, she’s proving that setbacks are just setups for comebacks.
