Coco Gauff is back in action on the WTA Tour for the first time since her fourth-round exit at the US Open.
The American played her first match of the Asian swing at the China Open, besting Kamilla Rakhimova in the second round after receiving a bye at the WTA 1000 event.
Her victory over the Russian marks her first professional match in nearly a month, having not been selected by captain Lindsay Davenport to represent the USA at the Billie Jean King Cup.
Davenport’s side reached the finals of the annual team competition, but ultimately fell to defending champions Italy.
Coco Gauff reacts to USA’s loss in the Billie Jean King Cup finals
The Italians clinched an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the title bout after Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jasmine Paolini won their singles ties against Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula.
‘I didn’t get to watch. I think on the Final, I was travelling. I didn’t get to watch that day,” said Gauff in her press conference after beating Rakhimova.
“Obviously, I have a lot of faith in my team. I think they’re going to do well. Team Italy is great. I think Jasmine and Elisabeth, I feel like they strive in those team environments when they play for their country.
“They’re the defending champion. I knew it would be tough. I thought that our team was strong. I felt like this year, they could have taken it. “I’m hoping that we can do well and qualify again. I’ll probably be playing next year.”
Gauff’s focus is now on the China Open, where she has been given nicknames by the fans in Beijing.
“Apparently, I guess I have two [nicknames],” said the two-time Grand Slam champion.
“Obviously, the ‘fruit salad queen’, they love that one. Then they told me I was ‘Ambassador of Beijing’ because of all the things I said about Beijing. It’s really cool.
“I like Jess’ nickname. I thought hers was pretty cool. I guess I have a challenge for the Chinese fans: I would like to know what animal resonates with me (laughter).
“I mean, ‘fruit salad’ is cool, but I think being named after an animal is cooler. I would like to see what animal they think I am.
“But no, I think the Chinese fans are great. I have literally so many gifts, more gifts than I’ve gotten on Christmas in my entire life.
“I purposely packed light because last year I packed full and it was a struggle to get everything back. I do keep all of them. A lot of the stuffed animals are a decoration in my house.
“Yeah, I think they’re the best, most creative fans. Yeah, I love coming here. I came prepared and brought an extra bag.”
Coco Gauff analyses her opening match at the China Open
Reacting to her victory against Rakhimova at the China Open, Gauff said: “I expected it to be close, A, because it was my first match in a while.
“Obviously, she’s a great player. She’s had competitive results with top players in the last few tournaments.
“I don’t know, I think I just found my rhythm and got in a flow. Obviously, you’re starting off the match, nobody wants to lose the first round. I was a little bit tight, I think. I was able to loosen up, and I think that showed in the score.”
In the third round, Gauff will take on former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, who is seeded 25th.
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