Coco Gauff hopes Iga Swiatek defeat the start of a rivalry: ‘Hopefully we can play man finals’

Originally posted on Tennisbuzz | Last updated 6/4/22

Coco Gauff vowed to be be back to have another go at Iga Swiatek in a major final after she lost out to the Pole at the French Open.

The 18-year-old was playing her first ever Grand Slam final after some brilliant tennis over the last two weeks, but she found Swiatek just too good on the day.

Swiatek, the world number one, dominated proceedings in Paris, winning 6-1, 6-3.

For Gauff, though, the result could now mask what an major breakthrough she has made at Roland Garros, and she hoped this was the start of a rivalry, not the end of one.

“This is a first time [speaking after a Grand Slam final defeat] for me so I’ll try to get through this,” a tearful Coco Gauff told the crowd on Philippe-Chatrier after the match.

“Congratulations Iga, what you have done these past few months has been amazing. Hopefully we can play many finals and I can get a win on you one of these days.

“I’d like to thank my team. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get this one today. But thank you guys for always supporting me. Hopefully this is the first final of many.

“I appreciate you guys a lot, you have helped me through so much this year.

“Thank you to you guys [in the crowd] who supported me even when I was down. Even when I was down match points you guys cheered me on and that means a lot, so truly, thank you.”

Her run at Roland Garros will ensure Coco Gauff is a career-high ranking of 13 on Monday.

This article first appeared on Tennisbuzz and was syndicated with permission.

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