Coco Gauff, the world No. 3, continues to make strides in her tennis career, advancing to the round of 16 at Roland Garros for the fourth consecutive year. Guided by coach Brad Gilbert, the 20-year-old American is shifting from her defensive roots to a more aggressive style of play. This evolution was evident in her recent match against Dayana Yastremska, where Gauff’s blend of aggression and tactical play secured her a 6-2, 6-4 victory.
Smart Strategy Against an Erratic Opponent
Facing the hard-hitting Yastremska, Gauff wisely chose to play with caution, targeting the middle of the court and forcing her opponent into risky shots. This strategy paid off, as Yastremska’s high-risk approach led to 38 unforced errors, compared to Gauff’s disciplined eight winners. Gauff’s ability to mix defense with timely offense demonstrated her growing versatility on the court.
Serving with Confidence
Despite only making 47 percent of her first serves, Gauff excelled in her service games, winning 73 percent of her first-serve points and maintaining composure under pressure. Her confident second serve and aggressive baseline play disrupted Yastremska’s rhythm, highlighting Gauff’s progress in her transition to a more offensive mindset.
Handling Pressure and Closing the Match
Even as Yastremska mounted a late comeback, Gauff remained resilient. She acknowledged the difficulty of closing out matches against opponents who play fearlessly from behind but managed to secure the final hold with determined baseline play. This mental toughness is a key component of Gauff’s ongoing development.
Looking Ahead
As Gauff continues her journey at Roland Garros, the question remains whether she can sustain her success with her current serve statistics. Regardless, each match serves as a step forward in her progression. With her evolving game and newfound aggression, Gauff aims to make significant strides in the remainder of the tournament.
