Coco Gauff claimed her second win against Maria Sakkari in as many tournaments on Saturday, backing up her Indian Wells victory with another confidence-boosting performance at the Miami Open presented by Itau.
While their match in the California desert was a tight contest, requiring a first-set tiebreak before Gauff eventually pulled away, in South Florida the American dictated proceedings as she got out to a strong lead. Gauff broke serve twice in the first set, and then weathered a rough patch in the second set to close out a 6-2, 6-4 win on Stadium Court.
The victory continued the 21-year-old’s serene progress at her home tournament, as she moved into the fourth round in straight sets following her 6-0, 6-0 demolition of Sofia Kenin in the second round.
Read More: Coco Gauff “really wanted the 6-0” as she closed out Miami demolition against Kenin
“That was the goal today, to go out there and have fun on the court,” Gauff told press in Miami. “That’s what I feel like, that’s how I’m playing…
“I think in the past, there’s a little bit of pressure playing at home. But I feel, like, because I play my best tennis when I’m playing relaxed and playing loose, I think that’s what I was trying to emulate today.”
