America’s young tennis star Coco Gauff believes she is
a ‘different player’ going into the French Open 2024. The second Grand Slam of
the year will be played from May 26 to June 09 in the capital city of France, where players from all over the world will compete to secure the ultimate
prize.
Gauff, who will be amongst the favourites to lift the title in the women’s singles category, recently played in the Rome Open. In the semifinal, she lost to current world number one Iga Swiatek in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
Talking after the match, Gauff admitted that she lost to a
better player on the day but expressed satisfaction about her preparation for
the mega-event.
"Yeah, I think from the start of the clay till now, I
feel like my confidence is definitely very high,” she said. “Like, it sucks to
lose, but I know I lost playing the right way. I know that I'm a good player
and that I can do better in those moments. I think I'm just trusting myself and
my practice at that.
Coco Gauff lost in the semifinal of the Rome Open to current world number one Iga Swiatek.
“I think the way that I lost today, it wasn't because a wing
or a shot broke down, it's because she was the better player today. If I lose
matches like that, we go back and we practice. I think going into Roland
Garros, like if you asked me pretournament and now, I feel like I'm a different
player in terms of just how I've been playing."
Gauff has a good record at Roland Garros, where she has reached the quarterfinal or beyond in the last three editions. Her most impressive outing at the French Open came in 2022 when she finished as the runner-up after losing to Swiatek in the final in straight
sets with a score of 6-1, 6-3.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.