Coco Gauff Dominates Kenin in Miami, Admits She Wanted to Drop a Game
Coco Gauff delivered a ruthless performance at the Miami Open, defeating Sofia Kenin 6-0, 6-0 in just 47 minutes. Despite the dominant victory, the third seed later admitted that she actually wanted to lose a game during the match.
Gauff, 21, explained that she felt uneasy about having such a big lead and thought it might help if Kenin got on the scoreboard. However, the 2020 Australian Open champion had no answers for Gauff’s level, as the world No. 3 dropped just 18 points en route to a ‘double-bagel’ victory.
Gauff’s Unique Mindset During the Match
Coming off a round-of-16 exit at Indian Wells, Gauff wasted no time resetting in Miami with a flawless start. However, despite her dominance, she found herself hoping for a more balanced scoreline.
“Honestly, when I was at 3-0, I kind of wanted to lose a game because I knew I’d be nervous at 5-0,” Gauff told Sky Sports after the match.
“But once I got that first point [at 5-0], I thought, ‘Okay, maybe I just need to get three more.’”
The world No. 3 also acknowledged how rare a 6-0, 6-0 win is at the highest level.
“I wanted it because I don’t know how many times it will happen again,” she said. “Hopefully a little bit more, but I feel like this is a one or two-time [in my] career type of thing.”
Thriving in Familiar Conditions
Unlike Indian Wells, Gauff feels at home in Miami, as she grew up in nearby Delray Beach and is accustomed to Florida’s humid conditions.
“Definitely, being in the Florida humidity, the ball doesn’t fly through the air as much, and the courts are a little more similar to what I practice on,” she explained.
“I think it makes a difference when you’re playing in conditions you’re used to. Indian Wells was tough, but there are no excuses—it’s always like that.”
With her confidence restored, Gauff now looks to build on her flawless start as she continues her Miami Open campaign.
