The WTA tournament in Auckland learned the names of the finalists of the 2023 edition, and in the last act an athlete from outside the TOP-100 of the world got in.

Rebekah MasarovPhoto: DAVID ROWLAND / AFP / Profimedia

Iberian Rebekah Masarova (130 WTA), in the WTA Auckland final

The presence of Coco Gauf in the grand final does not surprise anyone, because the American is one of the top tennis players of the WTA. In addition, Gauff is the main favorite to compete in Oakland.

The American lost in the semifinals to Danka Kovinich (60 WTA), score 6-0, 6-2. The game lasted 74 minutes.

The surprise comes when we talk about Coco’s opponent in the finale. Taking the 130th place in the world ranking, Rebeka Masarova led the tournament of her career so far.

Iberica advanced to the semifinals against Isaline Bonaventure (95 WTA – Belgium), 6-3, 6-3, after a match that lasted just 67 minutes.

Starting with qualifying (where she edged Catherine Sebov and Sara Errani), Masarova knocked out Sloane Stephens (2017 US Open winner), Anna Blinkova, Karolina Mukhova and Isalyn Bonaventure all the way to the grand final.

The result of the match between Coco Gauff and Danka Kovinic

The ASB Classic (WTA Auckland) runs from January 2 to 8 on hard, is part of the WTA 250 category, offers a total of $259,303 in prize money, and is championed (as of 2020) by Serena Williams.