Cori Gauff At the age of 19, has established herself as one of the best defensive players in the world of women’s tennis.
But the world number 6 says he also recognizes that the next evolution of his game must involve a more aggressive mindset.
After losing to Anastasia Potapova in the third round of the 2023 Miami Open, the American admits that her tendency to rely on running shoes has once again gotten the better of her.
READ ALSO : Hubert Hurkacz Runs Unstoppable Marathon To Round Three In Miami
“I think that’s where I’ve been wrong for most of my games this season,” admits Gauff. “I think I lost because of that in all the games I lost. I think my defense should be used as a tool rather than a weapon.”
“I think I have to change my mentality in the game about not relying on that too much because I think sometimes I play a little bit too passively, because I know I can get the ball.”
“All the tennis players who are doing well in tournaments are hard hitting players. It’s not that I don’t have the tools to hit hard, because I definitely do, I think it’s just about making that first decision.”
Despite these setbacks, the world number 6 has started his 2023 season in the best way possible. He started the 2023 season by winning his third career title in Auckland and bagged consistent results by qualifying for the quarter-finals as well as the semifinals of the biggest tournament. She arrived at the Miami Open this season occupying the seventh position in the standings heading into the season-ending tournament, the WTA Finals.
“I think I improved throughout the season,” said Cori Gauff. “Obviously the result is a bit disappointing for me, but I feel the decisions I made on the pitch were better than the decisions I made last season.”
“I feel now I did not execute well. I think I have to work on the execution part because I executed well in practice, specific moments in training. It’s about transferring that into the real game. I think I have to know what I want to focus on in the match.”
“Even though this tournament didn’t go the way I wanted, I will say I had an impressive start to the season. I hope I can have a better clay-court season than last season.”
Before making his first hard-court tournament of the season in Stuttgart, Gauff will join his compatriots for the US in the Billie Jean King Cup against Austria in Delray Beach, Florida.
