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Cori Gauff is thrilled about her start to the 2023 season as she admits that winning a title in her very first tournament of the year is a very encouraging and promising start. Gauff, who was the top-seeded player at the ASB Classic in Auckland, destroyed Rebeka Masarova 6-1 6-1 in the final.
Throughout the entire week, it was raining in Auckland, often causing delays and match suspensions. Although it was frustrating at times, Gauff is leaving Auckland in positive spirits after capturing her career-third WTA title.
"Honestly, a great week for me despite the rain. Couldn't ask for a better start to my season. First title on hard since I was 15. I'm happy to be successful on a surface that I love," Gauff said after winning Auckland, per the WTA website.
Gauff receives a boost of confidence
In five matches played in Auckland, Gauff didn't drop a single set. "It gives me a lot of confidence, honestly. You never know how your first week is gonna go. Could be good or terrible.
But I think it's been a great week for both of us," Gauff noted. Winning five matches in straight sets and ultimately capturing the Auckland title has certainly provided Gauff a massive boost of confidence ahead of the Australian Open.
Last year, Gauff made her first Grand Slam final at the French Open before losing to Iga Swiatek. Gauff is now widely considered among the best players on the WTA Tour and she is not hiding the fact that she wants to become a Grand Slam champion as a teenager.
This January, Gauff will be making her fourth Australian Open appearance. Gauff's best Australian Open result came in her tournament debut in 2020, when she made the round-of-16. In 2022, Gauff suffered a surprise first-round defeat at Melbourne Park.
This month, Gauff will be looking to make amends for last year's disappointing Australian Open result. It remains to be seen if Gauff can become a Grand Slam champion at the Australian Open.