“First final of many”- expresses an optimistic Coco Gauff after her unfortunate loss against Iga Swiatek
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Coco Gauff with her runners-up trophy at the 2022 French Open
Iga Swiatek is unbeaten since February and sure looks unbeatable at the moment, now a two-time champion at the French Open. Coco Gauff, who was playing in her first Grand Slam final at the age of 18, never stood a chance like Swiatek’s recent opponents.
Swiatek, the top-ranked player in the world, defeated Gauff 6-1, 6-3 in the final at Roland Garros on Saturday, extending her winning streak to 35 matches and adding to her 2020 title. Swiatek’s unbeaten streak is the longest this century, matching one set by Venus Williams in 2000. Swiatek is now 42-3 this season after winning her last six competitions.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get the win today”- Coco Gauff
Iga Swiatek was unlikely to be without support on this hot and humid day in Paris, with player Robert Lewandowski among those in attendance. Gauff’s inexperience was evident in the first game, as she was broken by a double fault and three unforced groundstroke errors. Although she failed to fight off the five break points against her at 0-2, the audience rallied behind the American as she attempted to claw her way back into the match. Swiatek’s steady power and accuracy, delivered with a short backswing, are difficult to control, as many opponents have discovered.
Gauff got on the board at 4-1, only to be blasted away in the next game by two big forehands from 30-30. In 32 minutes, the same treatment was given to win the set. The American youngster came back at the opening of the second when Swiatek lost her radar for a little while and made some helpful errors. Gauff broke, but the relief was short-lived as the Pole zoned in again and reeled off consecutive winners to retake the 3-2 lead. Unfortunately, every time she glimpsed a ray of hope, she made an unforced error.
After the match, in her on-court interview, Coco Gauff said, “This is the first time for me so let’s try to get through this. I want to congratulate Iga. What you have done on Tour in these past few months has been amazing. Hopefully, we can play more finals and I can get a win on your one of these days!”
“I want to thank my team and I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get the win today. Hopefully, this is the first final of many and I appreciate you all a lot, “ she added.
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Pritha Ghosh
(414 Articles Published)