China Open: Britain’s Katie Boulter is defeated in the third round by Coco Gauff

Katie Boulter exits the China Open after an outright defeat to Coco Gauff on Sunday.

The British number one was defeated 7-5 6-2 by the world number six, who advanced to the fourth round in Beijing.

The 20-year-old American led 5-2 in the first set before Boulter, 28, found her rhythm and won three games to level the match.

After a hold from the 2023 US Open champion, Boulter saved two set points but she made a double fault before sending a forehand wide to hand Gauff the first set after 50 minutes.

Gauff broke Boulter’s serve before taking a 4-1 lead in the second set. Boulter, world number 34, then saved one match point, but Gauff broke her serve again to take the set within 35 minutes.

Gauff will face Japan’s Naomi Osaka or compatriot Katie Volynets for a place in the quarter-finals as she aims to reach her second final of the year after defending her Auckland Classic title in January.