Coco Gauff wins ASB Classic in strong start to 2023

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Top-seeded American Coco Gauff has capped a commanding start to the new season by beating Spanish qualifer Viktoria Masarova 6-1, 6-1 in the final of the ASB Classic. Gauff claimed her third WTA Tour title but her first in years on hard courts that boosts her confidence ahead of the Australian Open. The match was punctuated by another of the long rain breaks that has been typical of a week in Auckland in which matches either have been delayed or forced indoors.