Chris Evert is not downbeat about her fellow American Coco Gauff's loss in the French Open final. She feels it will be very beneficial for her in the long run.
Gauff did not lose a set in her six victories to make the final. That included a triumph against the 2018 runner-up at Roland-Garros, who the 18-year-old defeated 7-5, 6-2, in the quarterfinal.
Unfortunately for Gauff, she played Iga Swiatek at the worst possible time. The world No. 1 had won her previous 34 matches heading into the final. Swiatek extended that streak to 35 contests by beating Gauff 6-1, 6-3.
Losing a big final so heavily will undoubtedly be painful for Gauff. But there was not much she could have done to Swiatek. The Pole has been simply unstoppable during the clay court season.
Seven-time French Open winner Evert is certainly staying very upbeat. The 67-year-old feels Gauff will be better prepared for a Grand Slam final in the future, which could give her a better chance of triumphing.
"For Coco, this experience will be invaluable for her. She may not be happy right now, but she has this under her belt. The next time she reaches a final she will know what to expect, it won’t be new to her and can figure out what she can do differently."
Gauff will also hope to face a less formidable challenge than Swiatek on clay in her next major final. Regardless, Evert is correct that experiencing it for the first time means she will be more sure of how to manage the pressure and emotions of the occasion next time.
For now, Gauff, who also lost in the doubles final at Roland-Garros, will get some deserved rest before Wimbledon. Despite falling in both finals, this year's French Open was undoubtedly a breakthrough tournament for her.