Sakkari even took inspiration from her rival after clinching a WTA 1000 title in Guadalajara back in 2023. Having considered hiatus from tennis following a first-round exit at that year's US Open, she used Gauff's own words as fuel to power through and claim her first trophy in four-and-a-half years.

Coco Gauff overcame late nerves to beat Maria Sakkari 7-6 (1), 6-2 and reach the round of 16 at Indian Wells on Monday, as her fellow American Madison Keys held off Elise Mertens 6-2, 6-7 (8), 6-4.

Gauff lost to Sakkari in last year's semifinal at the BNP Paribas Open, but on Monday it was Gauff playing her best during the biggest moments

Gauff, who escaped her opening-round match in three sets despite having 21 double-faults, was back to her best as she sealed a 7-6 (7-1) 6-2 win in one hour and 35 minutes

Coco Gauff admitted her serve let her down during her Indian Wells victory over Moyuka Uchijima and then dished up a putdown to her rival by insisting she would have won in straight sets had she not struggled in that department. The American is eyeing up the title in California after setting up a third-round showdown with Maria Sakkari.

Recap, highlights, and quotes from Coco Gauff's win over Moyuka Uchijima in the second round of the the 2025 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

Gauff, who reached the semifinals at Indian Wells last season, starts her 2025 run at the tournament Friday. Having received a first-round bye, she is slated to take on the winner of Wednesday's match between 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu and Moyuka Uchijima.

Coco Gauff moved into the round of 16 at the BNP Paribas Open on Monday with a straight-sets win over Maria Sakkari, but the No. 3 seed admitted she was disappointed with how she closed out the match despite the win.

Coco Gauff improved in her third round "revenge" victory on Monday but knows she must play even better to win Indian Wells.

Coco Gauff and Maria Sakkari had split their eight prior matches. Additionally, their third-round match would be their third consecutive meeting in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The 3-seed Gauff defeated Sakkari in an uneven two-set match: 7-6(1),

Enduring a frustrating service performance, Coco Gauff fought through an error-filled opening match at the BNP Paribas Open to prevail against Moyuka Uchijima. Although the World No.3 accumulated 21 double faults and more than 70 unforced errors,