Coco Gauff is currently eyeing a deep run at the 2024 China Open! She started the season well by winning the ASB Classic and then reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open. However, after that, although Gauff made several deep runs in tournaments, she failed to win a title. Her performance in the second half of the season, especially during the North American hardcourt swing, was pretty ordinary. Now, Coco Gauff is in Beijing and has already gotten off to a winning start at the China Open. She’ll face British star Katie Boulter in her next match.

Fans now wonder: Can Gauff seal the deal in this extremely challenging match against the in-form Brit? Shortly after her comprehensive victory over France’s Clara Burel, Gauff shared a few words about her next opponent. “I think (Boulter’s) been a completely new player this year. She’s playing some great tennis, so it’s going to be a tough match. I’ll just try to stay solid the whole time,” said Coco Gauff. So, fasten your seatbelts for this intriguing encounter in Beijing.

Coco Gauff vs Katie Boulter: Preview

Coco Gauff’s season has been a mix of good and bad so far! Here in Beijing, she looked quite impressive in her first match against Clara Burel. She defeated the French tennis player by a 7-5, 6-3 margin. Now, it will be interesting to see if she can deliver a similarly dominant performance against someone like Boulter.

Katie Boulter has already won two titles this season. The first came at the San Diego Open, and the second was at the Nottingham Open. Boulter initially had a shaky start in her previous match against another American, Taylor Townsend. However, she managed to get back on track by winning the match 6-4, 6-4.

Gauff vs Boulter: Head-to-Head

Coco Gauff and Katie Boulter have faced each other twice in their careers so far. Interestingly, their head-to-head record is now tied at 1-1. Who will take the lead in their next meeting?

• 2021 Gippsland Trophy R32: Boulter 3-6,7-5,6-2.
• 2023 Canadian Open R32: Gauff 6-2,6-2.

Prediction: Gauff to win in three sets

Well, this match has all the ingredients to be a long battle. Coco Gauff reached the semifinals of this tournament last year, while Katie Boulter was defeated by Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 32 at the 2023 China Open. Considering all these factors, both players will be eager to make a better run this season. Gauff is currently ranked 6th in the world with a win-loss record of 42-15, while Boulter, ranked 34th, has a win-loss record of 24-16 this season.

Looking at their playing styles, Coco Gauff may excel on the slower courts in Beijing more than most players. She describes her style as aggressive, but we often see her engaging in a more defensive style during matches. Gauff has a strong serve and can trouble her opponents with her lethal backhands. However, in the last few months, she has struggled with her serve and forehand, which could be a concern for her in this tournament.

Apart from all these, Coco Gauff’s biggest strengths include her incredible athleticism and swift court movements. She also mixes up her game well to confuse opponents. In longer rallies, Gauff has a unique ability to come out on top in most situations. If she can reduce her high double fault count (she hit 38 double faults at the 2024 US Open), she will certainly be among the favorites, not only in this match but in the tournament as a whole.

Katie Boulter also has a strong serve, and her aggressive style may keep Gauff on her toes. Her biggest strength is her powerful groundstrokes. Boulter can dictate points with her forehand and backhand. Additionally, her mental toughness and competitive spirit have been crucial in giving her the edge during intense moments. Both players will look to dominate the rallies from the baseline. We can expect some fireworks in this match, but Coco Gauff is most likely to have the last laugh this time.