Coco Gauff was hoping to drop one after winning the opening nine games of her Miami match against Sofia Kenin but that changed after she went 6-0 5-0 up as that's when she became eager to register a double bagel.
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On Thursday, the American - who turned 21 just over a week ago - collected her first-ever double bagel victory after obliterating the 2020 Australian Open winner 6-0 6-0. During the match, the No. 3 seed faced one break point - in the third game of the first set - and she saved it. But the more impressive stat was her not allowing Kenin to have a single game point in 47 minutes of play.
After putting herself in a strong position to earn a win without a lost game, Gauff felt that could lead to some unnecessary nerves.
Gauff: I kind of wanted to lose a game... But then I wanted a double bagel
Honestly, when I was like 3-0, I was like, I kind of wanted to lose a game because I knew I was going to be nervous at 5-0. But once I got that first point, I was like, Okay, maybe I just need to get three more.' I wanted it because I dont know how many times it will happen again, hopefully a little bit more but I feel this is a one or two-time [in my] career type of thing," the 21-year-old told Sky Sports on the court when reflecting on her win.
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Coming into Miami, Gauff struggled with her form and game in her last couple of tournaments played. In her pre-tournament presser, she insisted that there was no need to panic and that she would find a way out of her slump.
And her performance versus Kenin was the best performance response to her critics and doubters. In her next Miami match, the home favorite will battle against Maria Sakkari.
