Tennis sensation Coco Gauff continues her compelling run at the Canadian Open in Montreal, navigating an intriguing phase of her career marked by both significant victories and persistent challenges with her serve. Despite securing a coveted spot in the fourth round, Gauff has openly expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of her on-court performance, particularly concerning an unusually high number of double faults.
The 21-year-old American talent advanced after a hard-fought match against Veronika Kudermetova, clinching a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory. While the win itself was crucial for her progression in the prestigious WTA event, Gauff’s post-match comments revealed a deeper struggle, indicating that her success was not without considerable technical hurdles.
Statistics from her initial matches at the Canadian Open highlight her serving difficulties. In her first two encounters, Gauff accumulated a remarkable 37 double faults, the highest tally by any player in the tournament thus far. This included 23 in her opening match and 14 against Kudermetova, figures that underscore a clear area for improvement despite her winning streak.
Following her latest triumph, Gauff candidly admitted her self-disappointment, attributing it to the recurring service errors. She shared her frustration, stating, ‘Maybe I got a little mad at myself, so I could relax a little more.’ This self-critique demonstrates a high level of introspection and a clear understanding of the adjustments needed to elevate her game.
The young star emphasized her rigorous training in Florida, where her serve felt strong, expressing a desire for that consistency to translate into match play. Despite these service woes, Gauff highlighted a significant positive: her ability to secure victories even when a crucial part of her game is faltering. She likened it to winning with a part of her ‘game on crutches,’ showcasing her resilience and competitive spirit.
Gauff articulated her ambition to reduce her double fault rate significantly, aiming for a mere 2% or 3% to make her matches ‘much easier.’ Her focus remains on continuous improvement, acknowledging that while complete elimination of double faults might be unrealistic, substantial reduction would be a game-changer for her overall match performance and confidence.
Interestingly, Gauff noted her perfect serving performance in doubles matches during the tournament, where she committed no double faults. She expressed a desire to transfer this mentality and consistency to her singles play, acknowledging the unique pressure dynamics in each format and her drive to perform under high stakes, even if it’s ‘not that easy’.
Looking ahead, Gauff is set to face Canada’s rising 18-year-old sensation, Victoria Mboko, in the fourth round. Mboko secured her spot by defeating Marie Bouzkova 1-6, 6-3, 6-0. This highly anticipated match will mark only the second encounter between Gauff and Mboko, with Gauff having claimed victory in their sole previous meeting at the Rome Masters.
As Coco Gauff progresses deeper into the Canadian Open, her journey serves as a compelling narrative of a top player confronting and overcoming on-court challenges. Her determination to refine her game, particularly her serve, while continuing to secure vital wins, underscores her promising trajectory in the world of professional tennis.
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