Gauff Cruises Past Bronzetti to Reach Cincinnati Open Quarter-Finals

World No. 2 Coco Gauff advanced to the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Open with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, Sport360NG reports.

Gauff’s route to the last 16 had been straightforward, winning her opening match in straight sets before receiving a walkover against Dayana Yastremska. Bronzetti, ranked 61st in the world, had battled through three consecutive three-set matches and was quickly under pressure, falling 3-0 behind in the first set.

Although Gauff dropped serve in the fifth game, she swiftly regained control to wrap up the opener in just 33 minutes. The American then made a fast start to the second set, breaking for a 2-0 lead, but was pegged back when Bronzetti broke to love.

Bronzetti threatened again at 2-2, earning a break point, but sent a backhand long as Gauff held firm. The Italian stayed in contention until the final stages, when two costly double faults while serving to stay in the match handed Gauff the decisive break.

“I played aggressively for the most part,” said Gauff, the defending Cincinnati champion who went on to lift the US Open title last year. “Some points I was a little passive, but the conditions were tricky, the balls are light, and she wasn’t giving me much pace. I just tried to stay controlled but aggressive, and overall I think I managed it well.”

Gauff will face either Italy’s Jasmine Paolini or Czech player Barbora Krejcikova for a place in the semi-finals.