WeeklySA_AdminRESET: Strategies unfolding to strengthen Gauff’s capacity to win US Open
By Jo-Mangaliso Mdhlela
The setback suffered by the US black tennis star Coco Gauff during her poor showing and first round exit inflicted on her by the unseeded Dayana Yastremska at Wimbledon last week was, in her own words, “a tough to take” decision.
With teary eyes, in a media conference in Wimbledon, she said the defeat was earth-shattering, as it was also disappointing, yet Gauff conceded this should also serve as learning curve.
To dwell in the past would not be helpful, she said, insisting, on the other hand, that disappointment as she was with the setback, she would pull herself by her bootstraps, soldier on, and prepare meticulously for the upcoming US Open
The screeching defeat came at the back of a great and exciting victory following his triumphant forage in snatching the French Open a few weeks ago
Tennis commentators, especially in black circles, are known to have expressed disappointment, but not hope she will gather strength and courage to regain form to do well in the upcoming tournaments to “regroup and do better in the US Open”.
Gauff, on her way to winning the French Open, had expressed her admiration of Serena Williams, declaring that “her mental strength” was something to admire and emulate.
What was more troubling to Gauff was that the defeat came in the very first round against Yastremska.
She said she was unpleased with herself for “missing key opportunities in the tiebreak and with her overall performance”.
“I will not dwell on the loss but will instead focus on preparing for the US Open,” she said, as she looked ahead to her upcoming tournaments, including the US Open showdown.
She was emphatic, as her eyes became glassy, that her early exit from Wimbledon gave her an opportunity “to regroup and reset before the US Open”.
Her strength and resolve to look past the defeat will be tested. Tennis icon Serena Williams’ stunning performance during her reign as one of the foremost black American tennis players, has created a template with which black performers will be measured.
“I definitely was struggling in the locker room. I don’t like losing. The main thing I’m sure my team and everyone is going to tell me is: “You did well at Roland-Garros. Don’t be so upset.”
It remains to be seen what strategies her team will develop to ensure that mistakes that led to her defeat at Wimbledon do not recur. More importantly, the restoration of her confidence, and the development of stronger metal fortitude are matters requiring to work on.
Gauff is a black pride. Word has it that no effort should be spared to ensure she is helped to reach her true pinnacle.
“I’ve played so many Slams where anybody can win,” Gauff said. “The seed is just a number, just an advantage so you don’t play another seed first round. That doesn’t mean you can’t lose, as we’ve seen a lot of seeds drop out. We’ve seen defending champions drop out.
“Even though the unseeded players may not be as known, they’re so talented,” Gauff added
