“Like Rafa said...”: Coco Gauff adopts Nadal approach ahead of Madrid Open
WTAWednesday, 22 April 2026 at 08:30
Coco Gauff returns to the Madrid Open with a measured outlook, dismissing the idea of added pressure despite entering one of the most demanding phases of her season.
The American, currently world No. 4, is defending points across the clay swing, including a final in Madrid and Rome, as well as her title at Roland Garros, but insists her mindset remains unchanged, describing the season as “like a new year” where “anything can happen.”
That approach comes despite the immediate stakes in Madrid, where she defends 650 ranking points from her runner-up finish in 2025. The result leaves her with little margin for error in the short term, particularly after slipping back to No. 4 in the rankings, with Iga Swiatek reclaiming a top-three position ahead of the tournament.
Gauff’s 2025 run in Madrid remains one of the strongest clay performances of her career. She defeated Mirra Andreeva and Swiatek en route to the final, taking advantage of a brief dip in the Pole’s dominance on the surface, before falling in straight sets to Aryna Sabalenka in the title match.
The build-up to this year’s event has been less decisive. Gauff arrives with a 17-7 record in 2026 and without a title so far, following a quarterfinal exit in Stuttgart where Karolina Muchova ended a 0-6 head-to-head deficit against her. The result highlighted ongoing adjustments as she transitions into the European clay swing.
Resetting expectations and assessing form
Gauff addressed the expectations surrounding her clay season directly, making clear that last year’s results do not influence her current mindset. Despite reaching the latter stages of Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros in 2025, she views the current campaign independently, focusing instead on her level rather than outcomes.
“It's like a new year so it's like anything can happen honestly," she said in an interview from Madrid to Tennis Legends. "I don't think about last year because I didn't feel like I was playing great, I felt like I was playing great tennis but I feel better on court this year honestly so I'm just knowing that I'm doing the right things on the court and even though the results may not come right away that they will when it matters so yeah.”
Her assessment of the season reflects a focus on progression rather than immediate results. While she has yet to lift a title in 2026, Gauff pointed to consistent improvement across tournaments, suggesting her level has been more stable compared to previous seasons.
“I think I've only started at Auckland when I've started the year with a title but I think typically I don't start my season with the title," the 21-year-old player said. "It usually comes around this time so I would love to change that next year. I tried to change that this year. I was one match short but I don't know, I think it's been each tournament has consistently been better than the last like compared to last year with my results so I guess that's progress.”
Read also
Clay relationship and Madrid outlook
Gauff also offered a candid perspective on her relationship with clay, highlighting the contrast between her results and her personal comfort on the surface. Despite achieving several career milestones on clay, she described a mixed connection, using an analogy that reflected both appreciation and hesitation.
“I think it's one of those things that like you know if you have a guy and they just treat you good and they do everything right but it's still like just not there. That's how I feel about clay. Like I have great results on clay, I do well on clay but my socks get dirty, like I have to take off my shoes like before I get in my room. It's just a lot of things that I also don't like about it but my career on clay has always been the first of everything.”
Her record supports that balance. Gauff has won two clay titles and reached defining milestones on the surface, including her first Grand Slam final and her breakthrough title at Roland Garros. That duality—results versus comfort—remains central to her development on clay.
Looking ahead, Gauff enters Madrid as the third seed and will begin her campaign against the winner of Léolia Jeanjean and Oksana Selekhmeteva. A potential third-round clash with Sorana Cirstea could follow, with the two having met recently in Miami, offering a fresh tactical reference point.
Her preparation in Madrid has also included training with Elena Rybakina, another leading contender in the draw. The session reflects the level of competition she expects to face throughout the week as she looks to replicate last year’s run. “Obviously I would love to have a title," Gauff added. "I really wanted it to be Miami but at the end of the day I'm here in Madrid like Rafa said and we're not going to talk about everything else.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Sad? I'm laughing at what a loser you are.
- Somebody please help this child!!! I really think Emma needs to take a few months off from tennis (rankings ne damned!), find a coach she can work with permanently and focus on the weak areas of her game; take a mental reset and come back strong. This see saw situation needs to STOP!
- Nice article: to the point, covers the situation without additional commentary, and flows nicely. This is a breath of fresh air! Thank you -
- Don't be sad. It's just that no one really looks at this site
- What would you know about having a life? 🤣
- Enough of pathetic trolls like you. Putting legend in quotation marks when you spend all day commenting on every post like a complete loser.😂
- If the argument centers on tennis fans, the decision is straightforward. Paula Badosa should not receive wildcards. The risk of paying for a match ticket only to see her retire midway is simply too high. 😁
- Boo-Hoo for BJK and Poland. Sometimes "Life" takes priority over everything else.
- Seems her Groomer is calling the shots again.
- Bonker Becker's opinion aside... Pro Tennis had better get on te DNA Testing bandwagon before other sports carry that torch and appear to force the WTA's hand in this matter!
Loading