Coco Gauff is feeling the love in Beijing — and there sure is plenty of it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The defending China Open champion, who’s been showered with gifts from adoring fans this week, has been affectionally given two nicknames by the Chinese fans: Fruit Salad Queen, a nod to her signature fruit salad, which she typically snacks on for an energy boost, and Ambassador of Beijing\u00a0for her high praise of the city and its many attractions.<\/p>\n
The World No. 3 digs both, but she wouldn’t mind a more intimidating nickname. Maybe one inspired by an animal, a reflection of her ferociousness on court?<\/p>\n
“I guess I have a challenge for the Chinese fans,” the French Open champion said. “I would like to know what animal resonates with me. 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.”<\/p>\n
In all seriousness, the American raved about the Chinese fans’ passion and kindness, and how they’ve welcomed her back with open arms.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And this year she came prepared for the outpouring of gifts.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
“The Chinese fans are great,” she said. “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.<\/p>\n
“Yeah, I think they’re the best, most creative fans. I love coming here. I came prepared and brought an extra bag.”<\/p>\n
Gauff rewarded her diehard fans with a stellar performance on court on Friday, topping Kamilla Rakhimova 6-4, 6-0 in 1 hour and 43 minutes. She saved eight break points in a tense first set but cruised in the second to earn her 11th career main-draw win in Beijing.<\/p>\n
“I expected it to be close,” Gauff told reporters after the match. “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.<\/p>\n
“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 in 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.”<\/p>\n
Gauff will play 25th-seeded Canadian Leylah Fernandez in the third round.<\/p>\n
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