US Open 2023 champion and world number four, Coco Gauff, discussed the reasons behind her defeat in the final of the WTA 1000 tournament in Madrid, Spain. Gauff lost to Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 3-6, 6-7(3). Notably, Gauff had held a 5-3 lead in the second set.
“My first serve percentage was very low. When you play against someone who is as aggressive as Aryna, you definitely need to hit more first serves into the court. I wish I had managed that better. I had a set point in the second set, and there were opportunities to get ahead in the tie-break,” Gauff said in a video for the WTA.
Additionally, Gauff shared her reflections on the tournament through a post on her personal social media account.
“Thank you, Madrid. This wasn`t the outcome I was hoping for, but there is something to be proud of. I am leaving here with my head held high and great motivation to work even harder to perform better next time,” the American player wrote.
