Gauff reveals the keys that have transformed her game
The American had a real breakthrough, winning three titles last season, including the US Open, and is now playing in the semifinals of the Australian Open.
She was considered one of the most talented youngsters in the world and a rising star expected to make a big statement soon. That moment came this summer when an impressive winning streak led her to win the first major of her career in September and be considered a star.
Cori Gauff became a tennis icon shortly after her impressive performances. The 19-year-old player has won three consecutive tournaments played on US soil: Washington, Cincinnati, and the US Open.
When she lost to Sofia Kenin in Wimbledon, the Florida-bred talent decided to react by working even harder and making some adjustments to get better, adding Brad Gilbert and Pere Riba to her coaching team, which has proven to be an important factor in her success.
After that, Gauff lost to Jessica Pegula in Montreal, but she has won all her games. This 16-game winning streak translated into three WTA titles and phenomenal form by the end of the last season.
Mentally stronger and more aggressive
After losing to Kenin, Gauff admitted that she needed to change her mentality and her game, as she felt her opponent got the win by playing more aggressively and being more determined throughout the game.
Gauff took her words very seriously and started working alongside their new staff; the result has been impressive since then.
In her last match, at the Australian Open, against Marta Kostyuk, Gauff had to deal with difficult situations. Still, she managed to be the stronger player by being tougher mentally and more aggressive to keep advancing in the tournament.
“I’m really happy and proud of the fight I showed today,”Marta’s a really tough opponent; every time we play it’s tough match. I really fought and left it out on the court today.”, Gauff said on court after the match. “.
The American admitted a few months ago that she’s feeling better on the court because she had a great run this summer, winning the US Open, which has helped her fight the pressure she used to feel when she played.
“In the long run… I feel like now that the pressure is off, now that the Grand Slam season is over and I’m qualified, I think this could be a good week to continue to work on things I need to work on”. Gauff added on that occasion.
Gauff will now face Aryna Sabalenka after defeating Marta Kostyuk in three quarter-final sets. She will be looking to win her first trophy of the season and possibly the eighth of her career.