Caroline Garcia’s thrilling three-set victory over Coco Gauff in a three-set battle at the Miami Open on March 25 was a milestone win for Garcia.
Garcia, 30, said the secret to beating the 20-year-old phenom was aggressive play.
“I try to always be very aggressive and take some time away, and it looks like Coco doesn’t really like it,” Garcia said after the match. “We had some good battles in the past, and I always try to go as much as I can with confidence and conviction in my shot. To have a tie record with Coco gives me confidence that I have to go for it, especially after the match yesterday with Naomi.”
It was Garcia’s first win over a top-10 player since the end of 2022 and it secured her a post in the Miami Open quarterfinals for the first time in her career, according to the WTA. Garcia, of France, will play American Danielle Collins on March 27 in the quarterfinals.
🎶 we’re soaring, flying, there’s not a star in heaven we can’t reach 🎶
Caroline Garcia Also Beat Naomi Osaka in Miami
Before ousting reigning US Open champion Gauff, Garcia defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka for the second time this year in the previous round, per the WTA.
In her match against Gauff, Garcia took a dominant start, winning the first set 6-3. But Garcia’s momentum took a hit when she began experiencing shoulder pain in the second set–a flare up she also dealt with in her match against Osaka the day before.
Garcia’s setback helped Gauff gain the advantage in the second set, securing a 6-1 win to tie the sets 1-1. The second set loss didn’t stop Garcia from returning to her go-to game plan.
After taking a medical timeout and receiving treatment for her shoulder, the No. 23 seed went on to take a 3-0 lead against No. 3 seed Gauff. She ultimately secured the third set win by returning to her aggressive, on-top-of-the-court playing style.
Caroline Garcia Eyes History as She Enters First Quarterfinals
In addition to this being the first time Garcia will ever play in the Miami Open quarterfinals, it is also the first time a French woman has advanced to the Miami Open quarterfinals since former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli in 2012, the WTA reported.
The win was a long time coming for Garcia. In an on-court interview, Garcia told the media: “It’s been a while for sure. It’s been a complicated couple of months and the beginning of the year also. You keep working and trying to stay positive about what’s coming, that it’s gonna pay off. Sometimes it’s very hard. I’m lucky enough to have very good people behind me to help me and stay positive when I’m struggling. It means a lot to have this little reward and keep going in the tournament. It means a lot.”
Garcia has a chance to make history against Collins.
According to the WTA, no French woman has ever made the Miami Open final. Another win for Garcia on March 27 would mean she is one step closer to becoming the first.
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Miami Open: Caroline Garcia’s Secret to Her Milestone Win Against Coco Gauff