Coco Gauff has discussed why she finds it challenging to defeat Iga Swiatek after another defeat to the world No. 1 at the San Diego Open.
Gauff has made impressive progress this season. She reached a maiden Grand Slam final at the French Open, losing in straight sets to Swiatek, one of the victories during her incredible 37-match winning streak.
The 18-year-old also qualified for the singles and doubles at the WTA Finals. In the doubles, she will compete alongside Jessica Pegula, with whom Gauff won this year's Canadian Open.
In San Diego, Gauff was looking for momentum ahead of her probable appearance at the WTA Finals, an event she is close to qualifying for. The American defeated Robin Montgomery in the opening round and commented afterward it was the first time she had played a younger player on the WTA Tour.
That was followed by a tough three-set win against the 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu. However, Swiatek thrashed Gauff for the loss of just three games in the quarterfinal in California.
Gauff has now lost four consecutive matches against Swiatek. The teenager reflected on what she finds hard about playing the Pole but also feels matches against her are opportunities to learn.
“I felt like I was overplaying, with her you kind of sometimes feel like you have to overplay, just because she’s playing so good. I’ve lost to her so many times, and I just didn’t have it today. Each time I play her, I learn a lot, like that I overplayed on certain shots which caused me to make more errors”.
Although her losses to Swiatek are disappointing, there is no need for Gauff to panic. Swiatek has been the most exceptional player on the WTA Tour this season, and the 18-year-old has much time to improve against her.
Gauff still got three matches under her belt as she seeks to build momentum for the WTA Finals in Fort Worth, Texas.
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