Coco Gauff believes the quality of her game against Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open was at a higher level than what she showed during their clash in the final of last year’s US Open which she won.
The 19-year-old American lost in straight sets to the world No.2 after failing to capitalise on a series of chances. In the first set, she bounced back from 2-5 to lead 6-5 before getting broken and losing the tiebreaker. Then in the second set, Gauff was unable to generate a single break point opportunity as defending champion Sabalenka sealed her place in the final at Melbourne Park.
Thursday’s match was a stark contrast for Gauff compared to when she played the Belrussian in New York last September. On that occasion, she clawed her way back from a 2-6 deficit to claim her maiden Grand Slam title. Whilst it was a milestone moment in her career, Gauff says the level of her game wasn’t as good as it was in her latest match.
“It was a tough match for me,” she said.
“I had chances in both sets but she played better. I felt like I did my best with the game plan that I had. I think it just came down to a couple of points, and that’s tennis.’
“I feel like I played a little bit more aggressive this time. At the US Open, I felt it wasn’t a great match for me. Yes, I won but I think I played better tonight.”
So if the American felt she played a better level of tennis, what was the key difference between her and Sabalenka?
“I wish I could have made more first serves. I think that was the difference,” she commented.
“She had a higher first-serve percentage, and it’s tough to also go for the second (serves) when you double-faulted a couple of times.
“At the end of the day, it came down to a couple of points. Same in the second. Maybe if I got that hold at 4-All, it would have been a different match.”
The semi-final showdown was the first time Gauff had faced a seed at this year’s Australian Open. She began her campaign in impressive style by dropping only 16 games in her first four matches. Then in the quarter-finals, she struggled to find her top form during a roller-coaster clash against Marta Kostyuk.
This year’s Australian Open is the last major event the world No.4 will play as a teenager. Since making her main draw debut in 2019, she has won 49 out of 66 matches played at Grand Slam events.
“I am really proud of myself. I did want to win a slam as a teenager, and I did that.” She reflected. “Obviously, I was hoping to get No. 2 (in Melbourne) or at least give myself a chance to get No. 2.
“It didn’t happen but I feel like I’m there. So hopefully I can go only upwards from here.”
Gauff has started the 2024 season by winning 10 out of 11 matches. Before the Australian Open, she won the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
