New Delhi, Sept. 27 -- Defending champion Coco Gauff is loving her interaction with fans at the China Open but wouldn't mind a new nickname - something ferocious if possible.

French Open champion Gauff started her title defense in Beijing with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday and will next face Leylah Fernandez in the WTA 1000-series tournament.

Gauff has received a number of gifts this week and has been affectionally given two nicknames by the Chinese fans: "Fruit Salad Queen," a reference to her signature fruit salad, which she often snacks on for an energy boost.

The other is "Ambassador of Beijing" because of her frequent praise of the Chinese capital and its attractions.

The 21-year-old American said she approves o...