Coco Gauff admitted that she “wanted to lose a game” during her ruthless win over Sofia Kenin in Miami. The third seed didn’t drop a single game in the match, earning a statement 6-0 6-0 victory in just 47 minutes.
Afterwards, the 21-year-old revealed she was concerned about having such a big lead in the match and thought it could be beneficial if Kenin got on the scoreboard. But Gauff was too good for the 2020 Australian Open champion and closed out a ‘double-bagel’ win.
Gauff had a tough run in Indian Wells, losing in the round of 16, but she got straight back to business in Miami and started her campaign with a flawless performance against Kenin.
The world No. 3 dropped just 18 points in the entire match, racing through to book her spot in the third round without losing a game. However, Gauff was worried that the one-sided scoreline could be a problem.
“Honestly, when I was like 3-0, I was like, I kind of wanted to lose a game because I knew I was going to be nervous at 5-0,” Gauff told Sky Sports after the match.
“But once I got that first point, I was like, ‘Okay, maybe I just need to get three more’.
“I wanted it because I don’t know how many times it will happen again, hopefully a little bit more but I feel this is a one or two-time [in my] career type of thing.”
It’s no surprise Gauff is already playing better in Miami compared to Indian Wells – she grew up in nearby Delray Beach and loves the familiar conditions.
The 21-year-old continued: “Definitely being in the Florida humidity, the ball doesn’t fly through the air as much and the courts are a little bit more similar to what I practice on.
“I think it makes a difference when you’re playing in conditions you’re used to. Indian Wells was tough but it’s always like that so it’s no excuses.
“When you go from playing there and playing here, you feel a bit better about your game because, me personally, I grew up here so things feel a little bit more normal.”
There was a silver lining to Gauff’s recent defeat in Indian Wells. It meant she got time off to enjoy her birthday, which falls during the tournament.
“It’s been great so far, I feel the same but it’s cool to just feel a little bit older, legal in the US and things like that,” she said after turning 21.
Gauff also opened up on her drink of choice during her party. “A lavender lemon drop, because purple is my favourite colour so I wanted to get something purple then I had a few margaritas the next day. I like those because they’re a little bit sweeter and I can’t taste anything. But not too much! I had to be ready for this,” she laughed.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk