Tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou has highlighted what made Coco Gauff superior in the French Open final. The 21-year-old secured second Grand Slam and first title at the Roland Garros after beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final with a score of 6-7, 6-2, 6-4.
In a video posted on his Instagram account, Mouratoglou explained how Gauff managed to overpower Sabalenka on the big day. The 55-year-old stated that Gauff’s ‘greatest’ achievement in that match was being able to stay ‘composed’. Mouratoglou also criticised Sabalenka for her comments after the final, where she stated that her poor performance was the reason why Gauff lifted the title.
“You don’t win a final with your technique,” he said. “You win it with your mind and heart. Coco was superior. I think it was both. Sabalenka losing the final and Coco winning it. But what is interesting is when she makes those comments: “I gave her the final, if it was Iga in finals, she would have won,” it means that she is trying to deny the mental aspect of the game. Coco’s greatest achievement during the match is she stayed composed, from the first point, to the last one. She did not show anything. She stayed focused. She was ready to fight, whenever there was one little opening.”
Mouratoglou then praised Gauff for the ‘fighting spirit’ and believed that no other player has the determination to fight like her in women’s tennis. “It’s a Grand Slam final so there was a big emotional part for everyone,” he said. “Being able to do with your emotions is part of what makes you victorious or not. Coco was 10x better than Sabalenka at dealing with her emotions. And fighting spirit, it’s another level. I don’t see anyone like her, not one. At some point, Aryna did not want to miss anymore. She started to slow down and when she slowed down, Coco stepped in and boom. She started to attack her. So Coco gave her zero option. Her disappointment brought this unfortunate comment, and she clearly regretted it because she made a statement afterwards.”
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