Gauff fights past Vondrousova in tension-filled match

Coco Gauff found herself contesting a seventh-consecutive three-set match. It took the American over two hours to secure a 3-6, 6-0, 6-4 victory against Marketa Vondrousova in the tension-filled Dubai second round. Gauff became frustrated with the Czech when she caught her service toss with her racquet instead of her hand or letting it bounce in the opening game of the final set.

Vondrousova was very confused about the matter and quickly grew irritated with the teenager.

"You do the same," Vondrousova told Gauff before hitting another serve.

After winning the very next point, Vondrousova let out a loud "come on!" and would do it again after winning the highly stressful service game.

The two would take turns screaming after winning points, but at 1-1, Gauff took the feud to the next level when Vondrousova approached the net. The 16-year-old would dip a low ball at Vondrousova's feet which led to a poorly hit half-volley and the perfect put-away shot for Gauff. Instead of just hitting a passing shot, Gauff struck the short ball right at Vondrousova who was just a couple feet away from the net.

The intention was pretty clear: Gauff wanted her shot to be hit in Vondrousova's vicinity.

"My personality, I mean, I fight fire with fire," Gauff told reporters following the match.

This upcoming Saturday is Gauff's 17th birthday, and it also happens to be the day of the Dubai final.

"Definitely a big motivation. I would much rather celebrate it that way, especially now in today's world you can't really celebrate anyway, and that's probably the best celebration one can get," Gauff said. "So, that's the goal. And hopefully that will be my birthday wish. I don't know if there's a birthday wish god or wizard or anything. I know there's a tooth fairy and a Santa Claus, but if there is one, I wish to be in the final."

The world No. 40's Wednesday match was way less dramatic as Gauff won the straightforward encounter against Tereza Martincova, 6-4, 6-2. For a spot in the semifinals, the American awaits the winner of the Ons Jabeur-Jil Teichmann match.