Coco Gauff played two exhibition matches at the 2022 Atlanta Open against Taylor Towsend and Sofia Kenin, and the teenage sensation thoroughly enjoyed them both.
Gauff made her first appearance since Wimbledon in Atlanta. She suffered a disheartening 7-6, 1-6, 2-6 defeat to her compatriot Amanda Anisimova, who also beat Naomi Osaka at the French Open.
The 18-year-old hopes to find the form that took her to a maiden French Open final during the North American hard court season. She did not drop a set on her way to that stage, but world No. 1 Iga Swiatek proved too strong for her in the final.
Gauff was initially scheduled to face Leylah Fernandez in one of the exhibition matches. Unfortunately, last year's French Open runner-up had to withdraw because of a foot injury she sustained at the French Open.
The young star faced Townsend in the first match, winning 6-3, 6-3. Their exhibition was particularly enjoyable since Towsend is an excellent shotmaker, leading to many superb rallies between the pair.
Gauff's second match against Kenin was very one-sided. She defeated her compatriot 6-1, 6-2, but it would be unfair to criticize Kenin since she is making a return from months out with a foot injury.
The French Open runner-up was in great spirits after the second exhibition. She said the experience was very enjoyable and was particularly grateful that both matches were sold out.
"It's been amazing. Last night and tonight was so fun. I'm super happy that it sold out both nights. I definitely felt the love. I'm sure if the stadium was bigger I think more people would have came. I'm just glad I got to open up the tournament. I was here when I was 8-years-old and I definitely didn't think I would be playing here as a professional. I guess it's a full circle moment."