The 18-year-old was too good for Masarova throughout in Auckland, easing to a 6-1 6-1 victory in just an hour and 15 minutes on Sunday (January 8).
Gauff forced a break point in Masarova’s first service game, and though the Spanish-Swiss player was able to rescue it, she was not so lucky in her next two as her ruthless opponent won the first set with back-to-back breaks.
That theme continued in the second as unforced errors from Masarova, who won just two out of 15 points on her second serve (13.3 per cent), saw Gauff break again immediately.
The American was then forced to save break points on her own serve but did so impressively as she rescued all 10 against her in the contest.
Masarova was able to get on the board again after saving another two break points, but that was as good as it got, with ultimately Gauff romping to victory in front of an impressed New Zealand crowd.
“It’s been a great week for me, despite the rain,” Gauff said, referring to tournament’s frequent weather disruption, which also delayed the final and forced a pause at the end of the first set.
“It’s my first title on hard [court] since I was 15, so I’m happy to do well on a surface that I love.
“It gives me a lot of confidence [ahead of the Australian Open]. You’re never sure how your first week is going to go, but it’s been a great week.”
Auckland — your champion ???? #ASBClassic #WTA #Tennis #Finals #Winner pic.twitter.com/clLIAFkNui
— ASB Classic (@ASB_Classic) January 8, 2023
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