Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs has shared how Coco Gauff can beat Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open final. The two will face off for the Grand Slam title on Saturday, June 7.
While Gauff entered Paris after a runner-up finish in Rome, Sabalenka was eliminated by Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals. She defeated the Belarusian in straight sets. A few weeks later, Gauff and Sabalenka are one win away from claiming their maiden title in Paris.
While analysing the chances of both players in the upcoming final, Stubbs wrote via Threads:
“The finals matchup is absolutely perfect. Coco‘s speed around the court and defensive skills mixed in with her heart will be a true test for Sabalenka. Coco has to serve above 60% 1st serves, if not edge to Sabalenka. Going to be an amazing final I’m pumped for it.”
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Stubbs has worked with high-profile players like Karolína Plíšková, Samantha Stosur, Eugenie Bouchard, and Serena Williams. She was a part of Williams' team during her last appearance at the 2022 US Open.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka and Gauff have been sensational in Paris so far. The Belarusian outclassed the defending champion Iga Swiatek 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0 in the semifinals and looked forward to getting the job done on Saturday.
Here's what Sabalenka said during her post-match interview:
"As you said, it was a big match and it felt like a final but I know that the job is not done yet and I have to go out there on Saturday and I have to fight and I have to bring my best tennis and I have to work for that title. Especially if it's going to be Coco. So, I'm ready, I'm ready to fight and I'm ready to do everything it's going to take to get the win," Aryna Sabalenka said.
"She's going to come out swinging" - Coco Gauff predicts Aryna Sabalenka's approach in the French Open finals
Coco Gauff has only dropped one set en route to the French Open final. Apart from Madison Keys, no other opponent has managed to ruffle the American's feathers.
Gauff spoke about her mindset ahead of the crunch encounter on Saturday. She hoped to give her best in the finals and maintain her composure on the court.
"Going into Saturday, I'll just give it my best shot and try to be as calm and relaxed as possible. Whatever happens, happens, just knowing I put my best foot forward," Coco Gauff told the press.
"I think just trying to go for my shots. Obviously she's someone who has great, big shots. She's going to come out aggressive, she's going to come out swinging. I think I just have to expect that and do my best to counter that," Gauff added
Gauff defeated Lois Boisson in straight sets in the semifinals. She lost her recent match against Sabalenka in the Madrid Open final and will be eager to get her revenge on Saturday. The head-to-head between Gauff and Sabalenka is locked at 5-5.
