Coco Gauff Advances in China Open Title Defense with Marathon Win

Coco Gauff, the defending China Open champion and world No. 3, narrowly defeated Leylah Fernandez in a grueling 2 hour and 45 minute match to keep her title defense alive. The match was highly physical and competitive, with Fernandez saving a match point at 5-5 in the final set before Gauff clinched the win when Fernandez netted a shot. Despite some struggles including nine double faults and allowing seven break points, Gauff maintained her composure and will next face either Belinda Bencic or Priscilla Hon. In the men's draw, Italy's Lorenzo Musetti apologized on court for a previous outburst at coughing fans before moving into the quarterfinals. Germany's Eva Lys caused an upset by defeating former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, while Iga Swiatek is the top seed in the women's WTA 1000 event after Aryna Sabalenka withdrew. Italy's Jannik Sinner leads the men's ATP 500 event held alongside the women's tournament.