Coco Gauff explains what’s behind her strong form at the Miami Open this year
· Yahoo Sports
Coco Gauff’s run to the Miami Open finals is her best-ever performance at the tournament, which takes place in her home state.
Before 2026, the Boca Raton native had never made it past the fourth round at the Miami Open. She now has a chance to win her fourth WTA 1000 title against Aryna Sabalenka.
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She faces Aryna Sabalenka in what should be an exciting match for both players. Coco is trying to pick up her fourth WTA 1000 title and says she’s been playing so well because she feels comfortable on home soil.
Gauff credits home support for her strong play at Miami Open
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty ImagesGauff’s semi-final performance was perhaps her most impressive of the tournament, sweeping aside Karolina Muchova with a comfortable 6-1 6-1 win.
When asked what had helped raise her level in Miami, Gauff pointed to the advantage of playing at home as a major factor.
“I think it could be because I am at home and also I know I haven’t played well in the past, so there are no high expectations. I’m not here thinking it’s a tournament where I’ve played very well,” she said. “Well if I don’t do well it’s another year where I have to learn. But I think being at home is the support.”
“When I lost here last year, honestly, I lost and went home and was okay with my family.”
The American also noted that this season already feels different from last year, saying she sees clear progress in her game.
“I think that’s one of the things I was thinking about this year. One of the goals was to be more consistent and I definitely had some tough tournaments this year,” Gauff explained.
This will be Gauff’s 15th final on the WTA Tour, having already won 11 titles before turning 22 years old.
Gauff has the chance to add to an already incredible record
It’s a tough challenge for Gauff, facing world number one Sabalenka. But history suggests she might have the upper hand.
Gauff has played in nine hardcourt finals and hasn’t lost a single one, which should give her plenty of confidence going into this match.
She’s won on big stages too, including the 2023 US Open, the 2024 WTA Finals, and Masters titles at both Cincinnati and Wuhan.
Her win over Sabalenka at the US Open is notable, and she’s also beaten Jessica Pegula, Elina Svitolina, and Karolina Muchova in other hardcourt finals.
Nine straight wins in WTA hardcourt finals is no small feat. Even so, this match against Sabalenka could be her toughest test yet.
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