Gauff title defence ends at first hurdle

Coco Gauff went down 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 on Thursday to Yulia Putintseva as her title defence at the Cincinnati Masters collapsed.

The second-round shock to the America’s Olympic flag-bearer came as Gauff began a pressure-packed hardcourt run after winning titles a year ago both here and at the US Open.

No. 34 Kazakh Putintseva added world No.2 gauff to an elite victim’s list headed by No. 1 Iga Swiatek, whom she knocked out of the Wimbledon third round in early July.

“I’m really proud of myself, the winner said. “Even if the crowd was cheering for Coco, they were fair with me. These courts are so fast, you have to just play on instinct, that’s what I did.”

Gauff had few words about her humbling defeat:  “”Most of the points I think were off errors that she won. 

“She’s tricky to play, mixes up the ball and likes drop shots, She makes you earn the match.”

Putintseva will next face Spain’s Paula Badosa, who defeated Anna Kalinsyaka 6-3, 6-2. 

There was an easier path for WTA third seed Aryna Sabalenka, who overcame Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-3, 6-4.

The Italian was treated off court midway through the second set on her left hip.

Sabalenka wrapped things up on her third match point for a 15th career Cincinnati victory.

“I’m happy with my level in the tough moments. Elisabetta is a difficult opponent. She fought to the last point.”

Elina Svitolina, a semi-finalist here nine years ago, saw off Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-1 to next take on Sabalenka.

Sabalenka has won their last two matches, including a Roland Garros quarter-final in 2023 and a three-setter in Rome three months ago.

Main photo:- Yulia Putintseva celebrates beating Coco Gauff in Cincinnati – by WTATennis.com