Former player Kim Clijsters has explained why Coco Gauff is in the driver’s seat as far as her rivalry with Iga Swiatek is concerned. Although the Pole is leading 11-5 in their head-to-head series, the American has won the last four matches.
They last played against each other earlier this month when Team USA squared off against Team Poland in the semifinals of the United Cup, a mixed-team event. While Poland won, Gauff dispatched the former World No. 1 in straight sets. This could worry Swiatek’s fans ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, given that she has yet to win the Australian Open.
Speaking on the “Love All Podcast,” Clijsters analyzed their recent match at the United Cup, pointing out Gauff’s strategy to outsmart Swiatek.
“What stood out to me the most in their last matchup was that the variety of Coco’s game was really causing Iga a lot of issues. Coco hits such a heavy ball, and it’s not that she doesn’t hit the most winners with her forehand, but the combination of the depth of her forehand, the heavy top spin on a court that I hear has been popping up a little bit more, is hard for somebody like Iga,” she said (16:08).
Clijsters lauded Gauff’s drop shots while pointing out that Swiatek started to doubt herself, which contributed to her loss.
“All credit to Coco. She’s really found a way and a game plan that works against Iga, and I think it’s also become a little bit of a mental bonus on Coco’s side, where she has the confidence. Iga is starting to doubt herself. I think the last time Iga beat her was the 2024 French Open semifinal. So, the tides are turning, right? And good for Coco for working on finding solutions because that’s what all the great champions do,” she added.
Out of the 16 tour matches between Gauff and Swiatek, only one has gone the distance.
Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Reacts to American Turning The Tables on Iga Swiatek
Brad Gilbert coached Coco Gauff for about a year. She won her first Major at the 2023 US Open under Gilbert’s watch.
After Gauff’s win over Iga Swiatek at the United Cup, Gilbert weighed in on what has changed with the World No. 3.
“playing with more belief obviously 🙄 now vs Iga, she seems to be able to break down her fearhand. probably the biggest things not feeling the need to press early in points,” Gilbert replied to a user on X.
Coco Gauff will commence her 2026 Australian Open campaign against World No. 55 Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan on Sunday, January 18.
The American could run into her idol, Venus Williams, in the second round.
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