In the first round, Coco Guff is going to face the Spanish player Rebeka Masarova. Last year’s finalist at the second major tournament, the American is ready to give her best in the clay event. During her press conference Gauff stated that she looked forward to spending two weeks with Patrick Mouratoglou in Paris.
The 19-year old had a disappointing year. Jelena Ostapenko defeated her in the fourth round of the Australian Open. Gauff suffered a painful loss at the Dubai Championships after losing in the semi-finals to Iga Swaatek. The American’s clay campaign saw her early exits from the Stuttgart, Madrid, and Rome Open tournaments. Gauff and Jessica Pegula, despite not winning the singles title, achieved some impressive accolades. The ‘dynamic pair’ won the Miami Open and Qatar Open trophies.
The American has begun working with Patrick Mouratoglou in preparation for the French Open. Gauff and her former coach Diego Moyano split in early April. After working together for over a year, they decided to separate after the Miami Open. The World No.6 said during the Paris press conference that she was looking forward to working alongside Mouratoglou, and would also continue her search for full-time coaching.
“We began after Madrid and he helped me just during the clay season. To be honest, I’m between coaches. I don’t think I’ve found a coach who is full-time. He’s obviously still with Holger (Rune). I do have a good relationship with Patrick. I’ve known him since he was 10 and I’ve played on the same court as him. I thought that he would help me in this difficult time. She said, “I’m looking forward the next two weeks to spend with him ,”.”
In the doubles category, Gauff and Jessica Pegula reached the final of the Italian Open. They were however defeated in straight sets by Storm Sanders and Elise Mertens.
Coco Gauff criticised the Madrid organizers who silenced the female players
Coco Gaff and Jessica Pegula reached the final of the doubles category in Madrid. Their incredible run ended when they lost to Beatriz haddad maia, and Victoria Azarenka. The players were surprised to find that their speeches had been cut in the final moments of the award ceremony. The players were rushed out of the arena to take photos and leave. The men’s doubles competition was allowed to speak in front of the crowd.
In a comment on the situation Gauff stated that it is not acceptable to silence the players at any tournament. She said that players should address the crowds who have taken the time to show their support.
“I think that the player should speak to the people who attended and supported the event. It was more about the principle, than the actual criticism. In future, it may be me or someone else who criticises an organisation or tournament. No speech, no nothing. She said that you have to accept the criticism ,”.
The Madrid officials apologized publicly to all affected players after facing much backlash.
