Published on, Sept. 27 -- September 27, 2025 8:36 AM

Coco Gauff brushed aside Russia's Kamilla Rakhimova 6-4, 6-0 on Friday to secure a spot in the last 32 as she bids for a repeat China Open crown.

The world number three from the United States will next face Canada's Leylah Fernandez in Beijing, who triumphed decidedly over Greece's Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-0.

In her first appearance since the US Open, Gauff powered through a drawn-out second game to save four break points and level for 1-1 with a cross-court winner.

It was the American who broke first, landing the ball right on the line for a 4-3 lead.

Gauff won the next game and although Rakhimova held her off for one more, it was the defending Beijing champion who triumphed.

An ener...