Coco Gauff has enjoyed a winning start to life under new coach Matt Daly as she beat Karolina Muchova in the China Open final.
Gauff thanked Gilbert after they parted ways before the China Open, with the duo having been paired for 14 months.
But a new journey is now underway in superb fashion under Daly, with Gauff beating Muchova in straight sets in Beijing.
The 20-year-old has followed in the footsteps of compatriot Serena Williams, who is the only other American to win the China Open.
Williams won the titles in 2004 and 2013, with Gauff clinching her eighth WTA career title after beating Muchova 6-1, 6-3.
Coco Gauff breaks Open Era record after winning the China Open
She also won the ASB Classic in New Zealand earlier this year, but has struggled for consistency after winning her maiden Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open.
But her hard court success cannot be disputed, with Gauff now the first player to win each of their first seven WTA finals on the surface in the Open Era, as per OptaAce.
Coco Gauff eases past US Open semi-finalist Karolina Muchova
Gauff is a formidable force on the hard courts, having clinched that one and only Grand Slam title on the surface at Flushing Meadows last year.
But a disappointing fourth round exit to compatriot Emma Navarro ended her title defence early this time around.
She has, however, bounced back in fantastic fashion, with the China Open fourth seed easing past US Open semi-finalist Muchova in Beijing.
READ MORE: Coco Gauff breaks personal record in her China Open quarter-final win over Yuliia Starodubtseva
Gauff labelled Muchova ‘dangerous’ before the final, but the latter really failed to get going against the former.
The American will be delighted with the victory, although her focus must quickly turn to the Wuhan Open, with her first match taking place this week.
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