Coco Gauff was one of the more unexpected exits from the third round of the Miami Open women’s draw. The US WTA 1000 loses one of its home players, beaten by the Russian Anastasia Potapova in three sets, who she recovered after losing a hard-fought first tiebreak.
In the press conference she said: “I think I didn’t play. I took off the game in many difficult moments. I felt I didn’t play the way I wanted. I have to change my mentality in the game, sometimes I play too passively. Physically today I wasn’t at my maximum level.
I also think it was a matter of the nerves of playing at home. Home tournament? I don’t know how much nerves really affect me because I tend to put too much importance on things. In my first game I was nervous, but I played well.
Today I wasn’t nervous going onto the court, even during the match. The same is a feeling that is present and I don’t know how to recognize it. I don’t think that’s why I lost today. Anastasia played very well and I didn’t know how to make the pass I needed.” What do I need to improve? It’s just a matter of not having that drop in level.
In the last two games, even the ones I’ve won, I’ve had many negative moments. I have to acknowledge them and fight them. It’s not something physical. Physically I feel like one of the best of the Tour. I think it’s something more mental.”
Preparation in view of the clay swing
The Miami tournament represents the end of the first part of the season on hard courts, with clay courts ready to take over.
On this surface, Coco Gauff has achieved some important results of her own, such as the Roland Garros final. She told: “I definitely think the game is a bit simplified on clay, I have a clearer picture of how I want to play on that surface.
I think being a physical player suits me well on clay. I think having done well on hard courts will help me on clay. Last year I didn’t get off to a very good start, but on clay I turned things around. Although Miami didn’t go the way I wanted, I had a good start to the year. I hope I can have a better clay season than last year”
