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Coco Gauff rallies to advance at Miami Open
Fourth-seeded American overcomes tough three-set match against Italy's Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:39am
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Coco Gauff, the fourth seed, prevailed in a tough three-set match over Italy's Elisabetta Cocciaretto, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the first round of the Miami Open on Friday. Gauff, who had to withdraw from the Indian Wells tournament due to a left arm nerve injury, pronounced herself fit to play in the Miami tournament that she desperately wants to win. Despite committing 11 double faults, Gauff won 77% of her first serves in the match that lasted two hours and 15 minutes.
Why it matters
Gauff's victory in the Miami Open is significant as she looks to bounce back from her recent injury and make a deep run in a tournament she has targeted. The Miami Open is a prestigious event on the WTA tour, and Gauff's ability to overcome a tough opponent like Cocciaretto demonstrates her resilience and determination to succeed at the highest level of women's tennis.
The details
Gauff lost serve twice in the first set and once in the second set, but broke the Italian in the ninth game of the second set and held to even the match. Gauff fell behind 2-0 in the deciding set, but won four straight games and won the match on her third match point on Cocciaretto's serve.
- Gauff had to withdraw from the Indian Wells tournament on March 8 due to a left arm nerve injury.
- The Miami Open first-round match between Gauff and Cocciaretto took place on Friday, March 21, 2026.
The players
Coco Gauff
A 22-year-old American tennis player who is the fourth seed in the Miami Open.
Elisabetta Cocciaretto
A 24-year-old Italian tennis player who faced Gauff in the first round of the Miami Open.
What they’re saying
“Every day it's different, but I think for the most part I will be fine playing this tournament. I might feel it sometimes on court, but I definitely feel it less and less every day.”
— Coco Gauff
“Last time we played I didn't win, so I wanted to overcome that feeling. This week made me realize how much I love this sport. Even when it's tough, I enjoy the ups and downs of the journey.”
— Coco Gauff
The takeaway
Gauff's ability to rally and win a tough three-set match against Cocciaretto, despite her recent injury, demonstrates her resilience and determination to succeed at the highest level of women's tennis. Her victory in the Miami Open first round is an important step in her quest to win this prestigious tournament.
