'Weaknesses Are Not So Weak Anymore': Gauff Backed For WTA Finals Success
ATP
Coco Gauff is going to be one of the players to watch at the 2023 WTA Finals, and Martina Navratilova sees her as a threat.
There has been a lot of maturing for Gauff this year as she's finally figured out how to win. It took her a while and didn't happen overnight, though it seemed that way.
Out of nowhere, the American won several big events leading up to the US Open and then did the unthinkable. She beat everybody to win her maiden Grand Slam trophy, which was a huge surprise to everyone.
She did play well, but not many expected her to really go all the way. It was a big thing for her; nobody underestimates her now, especially ahead of the 2023 WTA Finals.
She’s figured out how to win, even when she’s not playing her best tennis. I think she’s got clarity now with the game plan. And that gives you a lot of confidence, kind of takes you off the hook when things don’t go well you can get nervous and panic and say, ‘Oh my God, what do I do?’- Navratilova on Gauff maturing as a player
Much has been talked about her weaknesses, particularly the forehand, but like her coach, Brad Gilbert, Navratilova doesn't think it's that huge of a weakness. She can win in many ways because she figured things out. The US Open final against Aryna Sabalenka demonstrated that well.
But when you have a plan, you know whether it’s working or not. If it works, you stick with it and if it doesn’t, obviously you can change it. But that’s what that clarity gives you -- a lot of confidence.
So then weaknesses are not so weak anymore, and you just get on with it. And that’s what happened at the Open. She knew what she had to do to win the match.
