Miami Open 2023: Coco Gauff crashes out with surprise defeat to Anastasia Potapova in third round

Sixth seed Coco Gauff crashed out of the Miami Open at the third round following a 7-6(8) 5-7 2-6 defeat to Anastasia Potapova, who claimed the biggest win of her career.

The American favourite was forced to display her great battling abilities as she fought back from 5-2 down to take the opening set.

The 19-year-old then built a healthy lead in the second set only to see a dogged 27th seed Potapova claw her way back from 5-3 down and take a rollercoaster match into a third and deciding set.

But Gauff’s forehand was badly exposed as she lost her way and Potapova took full advantage, as she reached the fourth round of a WTA 1000 event for the first time.

“I think I just let it go, and I started to focus on my tennis and going for my shots and not thinking what she is going to do,” Potapova said afterwards.

“I’m really happy to be in the fourth round for the first time; it’s a dream that really came true.

“In those tough conditions, it’s not easy to play. Coco is an unbelievable athlete and she has very good fitness. I’m really surprised that I could stay at the same level until the end. Thanks to my fitness coach!”

After saving three break points to take the opening game, Potapova earned the first break of the match as she raced 3-0 in front, a scoreline reflective of her strong start.

Gauff gave up yet another three break points as she found herself 4-1 down. She continued to create chances but Potapova remarkably fended off yet another break point to move to within a game of taking the opening set at 5-2.

Now playing with a spring in her step and finding more consistency with her forehand, Gauff finally got her reward with consecutive breaks to get her nose in front for the first time.

The American saved a break point with a brilliant defensive display but then committed a double-fault as the game proceeded to a tiebreak, with Gauff emerging victorious 10-8.

In what was a role reversal of the opening set, Potapova was culpable of giving up break points in the second, and serve was held until Gauff landed a break to move 5-3 ahead and move tantalisingly close to victory.

However, she contrived to relinquish control of the set, and ultimately the game, as her opponent delivered a double break and then held service to win 7-5 and prolong the encounter.

While it was only Gauff’s third set battle of the year, for Potapova it was her 13th and it was the latter who, crucially, recorded the first break of the decisive set.

Her forehand was constantly letting her down now and another error from Gauff left her two breaks adrift, and Potapova’s effort was rewarded as she served for the match, taking a deserved win after two-and-a-half hours.

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