“Her fearlessness could pressure Iga Swiatek” Mats Wilander believes that Coco Gauff will be a ‘real test’ for the world number 1
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Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff reached her first Grand Slam final after demolishing Martina Trevisan 6-3, 6-1 in the semifinal of the French Open 2022. Gauff has played really well to outwit the players like Sloane Stephens and Kaia Kanepi on her way to the final at Stade Roland Garros. She will be face to face with world number 1, Iga Swiatek who is currently on a 34-match winning streak.
Swiatek faced the only tough challenge in the teenager, Qinwen Zheng. Swiatek lost the first set but came roaring back. She was near flawless in her match against Daria Kasatkina. She defeated Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1 and will look for another French Open title against Coco Gauff.
Former world number 1, Mats Wilander, and Alex Corretja, the former world number 2, talked about the matchup between Swiatek and Gauff and weighed their chances in the battle for the title in Paris. Gauff has been very dynamic and they believe, she will present a unique challenge for the world number 1.
Also Read: “I fell into the trap” Coco Gauff talks of being pressurized by constant Serena Williams comparisons
“Coco Gauff is not afraid of consequences” Mats Wilander.
Alex Corretja in a talk with Eurosport evaluated Gauff’s prospect against Swiatek. He said: “Iga is where she wants to be right now – in the final. She was struggling in a few matches, but then in the semis again showing that she’s ready, that she’s back in her rhythm attacking and dictating. But of course she’s going to play Coco Gauff who’s going to be so tough to beat.”
“She [Gauff] changes directions, she changes height, especially with the forehand, she moves well, she’s going to try to put so many balls in the court and try to be very consistent.”
“I think it’s going to be a very entertaining match, very even. For Iga she has more experience, she won here already [in 2020].”And for the American [Gauff] it’s the first time [in a Grand Slam final], but she looks like she’s having fun and she’s going to go out there thinking she can do it.”
Mats Wilander agreed with Corretja saying: “Maybe it will put a little bit of pressure on Iga, playing someone who is three years younger but hasn’t been to a Grand Slam final and who most probably is not afraid of the consequences. So I think Iga is the favorite but this will be a real test.”
Though both of them agreed that Iga Swiatek is a favorite against Gauff, she will have to deal with the challenge carefully because Gauff will have a nothing to lose mindset when she faces Swiatek.
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Prateek Sinha
(365 Articles Published)