Elisabetta Cocciaretto, ranked 57th, achieved a significant milestone by defeating world No. 5 Coco Gauff in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, at the WTA Doha 2026 tournament, advancing to the last 16 for the first time in a WTA 1000 event. This victory marks her third career win over a Top 10 player, previously defeating Petra Kvitova at Roland Garros 2023 and Jessica Pegula at Wimbledon 2025. Despite her prior three losses to Gauff, Cocciaretto drew on her junior success against the American and her recent form, including winning the Hobart title as a qualifier, to secure this upset. Gauff, frustrated after her Australian Open exit, was favored heavily with odds of -1205 but was unable to overcome Cocciaretto’s resilience. The Italian will next face American Ann Li in the tournament’s last 16, aiming for her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal. The match highlights Cocciaretto’s rising trajectory in the season, fueled by her recent qualifiers' success and her ability to perform under pressure.