Match Details
Fixture: (1) Coco Gauff vs (WC) Sofia Kenin
Tournament: ASB Classic 2023.
Round: Second round (Round of 16).
Venue: ASB Tennis Centre, Auckland, New Zealand.
Category: WTA 250.
Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt.
Prize money: $259,303.
Live telecast: USA – Tennis Channel | Australia – beIN Sports.
Coco Gauff vs Sofia Kenin preview
Thursday in the 2023 ASB Classic, No. 7 Coco Gauff will meet Sofia Kenin (January 5).
In 2022, Gauff reached her first Grand Slam final at the French Open, losing to IgaSwiatek. She reached the US Open quarterfinals and three WTA 1000s. Gauff broke into the WTA’s top 10 with her efforts.
At the 2023 ASB Classic, the 18-year-old faced Wimbledon semi-finalist Tatjana Maria. Gauff defeated the German 6-4, 6-1 to advance.
227th Sofia Kenin won four of 17 matches in 2022 due to injuries. Tennis in the Land in Cleveland, Ohio was her season’s highlight.
Kenin began her 2023 season as a wildcard in Auckland. In the first round, the 2020 Australian Open champion beat Xin Wang 7-6. (6). After breaking Xin in the second game of the second set, the American led 3-0.
This proved important as she won the set 6-3 and advanced to the WTA 250 quarterfinals.
Sofia Kenin vs. Coco Gauff
Kenin beat Gauff 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-0 in the 2020 Australian Open fourth round.
When available, we’ll update Coco Gauff vs. Sofia Kenin odds.
Prediction: Coco Gauff vs. Sofia Kenin
Gauff is the clear favourite to win considering her current run of form and Kenin’s long injury layoff.
The 18-year-old won 21 of 30 points on her first serve in her opening-round match against Tatjana Maria.
Gauff’s powerful strokes will put early pressure on Kenin. The 18-year-old is also incredibly composed for her age, which could come in handy.
Kenin plays aggressively yet can defend well. The 2020 Australian Open champion mixes groundstrokes with slices and drop shots.
In her first-round match against Xin Wang, the American won only 28 of 65 second serves. She must perform better against Gauff.
Gauff should have little issue beating the 24-year-old, who hasn’t reached her prior form.
Gauff in straight sets.
