Coco Gauff Reaches Dubai Championships Quarterfinals with Straight-Sets Victory

Coco Gauff continued her excellent form in 2026, securing a spot in the Dubai Championships quarterfinals with a dominant 6-2, 6-3 victory over her opponent on Wednesday. The American star has now won 12 of her last 14 matches, establishing herself as one of the early favorites for major titles this season.

The 21-year-old showcased the aggressive baseline game that has made her one of the most exciting players on the WTA tour, dictating play from the opening games. Gauff broke serve twice in the first set, using her powerful forehand to move her opponent around the court and create opportunities at the net.

"I felt really comfortable out there today," Gauff said after the match. "My serve was working well, and I was able to be aggressive on my returns. The courts here in Dubai suit my style of play, and I'm excited to keep building on this momentum."

The second set began with both players holding serve, but Gauff seized control with a crucial break in the fifth game. Her ability to construct points and force errors under pressure was evident throughout, as she won 78% of her first-serve points and converted 4 of her 7 break-point opportunities.

Gauff's quarterfinal opponent will be determined by the outcome of today's later matches, but the American will enter as a confident favorite regardless of the matchup. Her recent form includes a title victory in Adelaide and a semifinal appearance in Melbourne, suggesting she has found the consistency that many predicted would come with experience.

The Dubai Championships represents an important stop on Gauff's path toward the upcoming hard court season. With the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments approaching, the young American appears to be timing her peak form perfectly for the sport's biggest stages.

"Each match is a new challenge, but I feel like I'm in a really good place mentally and physically right now," Gauff reflected. "The work I put in during the offseason is starting to pay off, and I'm just trying to stay focused on the process rather than getting ahead of myself."